Speaking about vesper cores etc, I prefer using Giant Whisper card, thus I am deprived of +2 str bonus from Aliot, so if I use Nightmare card too (I got used to it lately, since some people started to use sleep armor), my STR bonus doesn't allow me to wear vesper cores...maybe one, but I'd have to let go another two points of vit.
Vanberk and Mantis is much better than Cramp+Tarou. Allows you to switch headgears without loosing too much str, and when you have to do some empbreaking, then you will see the real strength of Vanberk card.
FB is, of course, used in some cases, but I rarely need to use defensive equip.Speaking of Ulle, those stat bonuses, if you translate them into stat points saved, are worth quite a lot. Alice is, of course, option if available, but not every server has them, and you have to use nightmare card with it...and your vit will go down again cause lack of stat bonuses.