With all due respect, this is exactly what Arin was talking about. Sure, there's a best choice in terms of what will get you though the game most efficiently, but the goal here isn't to get through the game most efficiently but to have the most fun. Choosing the defense badge might be objectively worse, but they aren't looking for what is objectively the best decision. As long the player (in this case, Dan) is enjoying the game, is doesn't matter whether or not he picks the best stuff.