I would recommend a bit of both, that's what I do. Skim for most of it, and then when health gets very low, unload. However that's what i do, I'm sure they're will be others with different views
Gues - if they are 'Defeder too Weak' and are still hitting you, they are 'fighting under pin'. Wait till they are 15% troops to hit, or do quests and go under 10% troops and spies