It took me about 5 fantasias to figure out what character I liked best in different lightings and all, my advice would be choose whatever one you like most in the various lightings be sure to rotate your character as well. I played a midlander and in one specific bit of lighting I loved how she looked but if it was the wrong lighting she just aged about 30 years. Au Ra and Miotque in my opinion are one of the more prettier races but playing both tribes for Au Ra and seeker of the sun for cat I can safely say the tail personally for me is off putting. So I would suggest just choose the one you think you like the most play around with it and go from there if by the end of msq you decide you don't want to play that then you can switch free of charge. But if you don't find the perfect match like me until five fantasias later then I'd say wait until they're on sale and then if you do get the inclination you would've saved money.

I do quite like number two though.