Okay, for items, it's typically pretty easy to pick what's better if you actually sit down and look at the stats. Dex gives a fixed per-point benefit. Damage, attack rating, and the like are all the same.

So to compare... perhaps a helmet with stats and +1 skills and a helmet with different stats and 2 sockets, look at what jewles or runes you have or can get, and add the stats. Convert any modifiers to straight stats, add them on the socketed item. Calculate your damage, ar, defense, etc with that helmet. Add in your bonuses and enhancements from skills. Write that number down. Then, look at what stats the +1 skills helmet gives, add your +1 skills in a skill planner program, and calculate what you get with your bonuses and enhancements from skills. Compare numbers. Done.

The only times you have to actually make a decision is when you have to choose between one benefit and another. For example, you can get more AR or more resist. This is typically an easy example. If you have resists maxed, go for AR. If your AR is godly, go for the resists in case someone has lower resists. It's usually pretty easy to guess at what you need more.

If I had an hour or two, I'd put together a build, but, unfortunately, I'm at work. I get off at 9, and if I'm really, really bored, I'll do it then.

What is it they say about silence being golden?