It really depends on what you have to sacrifice to get that last 12.5%. Soft-capping a character is nice but, espeically on a team, it's not always as useful as more recharge/offense.
An Ice/cold has enough debuffs to cut down incoming damage as well.
I usually find that the last 12.5% isn't worth the cost I give up in other areas to cram it in.
With Ice/Cold your got sleet every spawn which really mitigates damage with the KD and scatter.
Thats on top of your slows lowering the rate of return fire and 1-3 holds depending on what you have chosen to take out problem mobs before they can bother you
Global: @Kelig
I have an ice/cold that I'm about to start pumping IOs into. And b4 I do. I just wanted to know if it's worth shooting for 45% S/L defense for ultimate survivability whether it's solo or teamed or would it serve better to maybe go for 32.5+inspirations?