Originally Posted by
badfish1979
Personally, I would stay at TH9 until the defenses are maxed. I'd use gold on defenses, keeping one builder free for using elixir on walls. If you raid enough to keep all but one builder busy, I'd also use extra gold also on walls while defense upgrades still have some time to complete.
You'll be able to get some hero levels done during the time it takes you to max your defenses, but personally, I wouldn't really worry too much about the hero levels because DE income gets even better at TH10. Whatever levels your heroes are once you max those defenses should be fine when you upgrade the town hall. I've found from personal experience that because of the new matchmaking plus the removal of DE zapping, it is very easy at TH10 (especially at low leagues) to farm loads of DE even while heroes are down for upgrades without the worry of getting raided for any loot. I've stayed in Silver and Gold since the matchmaking update with my town hall out and haven't been raided a single time - it's been 100% snipes. The only resources I lost was some DE from zaps before the last update, but obviously that doesn't happen anymore.
Before the matchmaking update, TH10 loot wasn't nearly as good as TH9 and below - except for DE. DE was always the best at TH10. But now that you can find suitable matches without having to press the next button very much (especially in the lower leagues where so many rushed and even dead bases are), TH10 is not nearly as scary when it comes to loot. In fact, I'd say TH10 loot might even be the best as long as you're not rushed... which is the way it should be. Reaching the top level in the game should be rewarded - not penalized.