Creampies and Lisa dies y'all need to go to church and find God
Even God himself isn't saintly enough to wash us of our filth, but we are so filthy, Satan wouldn't want us either...good news everyone, we will be stuck in limbo.
But back to Brute's question: I am more of an experimental type of guy.
Throughout DOA, I mainly use Kasumi and Ayane, but around DOA2U, I got a fascination with Helena and Lei Fang, the former I use a lot more than the latter now in DOA5U. I also shot the breeze a bit with Eliot and Kokoro in DOA5 and 5U as well, but nowhere near enough to really go ham with them.
And then there are the DLC characters who I do like for multiple reasons, but I'll most likely keep NyouTengu more because I can adapt faster to them like I did with Momiji than with Kasumi. I tried Marie Rose but her pokes and openers are a bit tough to get around with and Phase 4 may not be my answer for Kasumi considering I'm having issues with opening up opponents safely with Kasumi to begin with.
Thus, the characters I plan on practicing and using will end up like this:
Momiji - 4
Helena - 4
Kasumi - 3
Marie Rose - 2
Rachel - 3
Ayane - 2
Lei Fang - 3
Phase 4 - 3-4
Lady Tengu - 4
Eliot - 1
Kokoro - 1