Just realized you are a (thick accent) smart guy ( linky, linky)
s1-12-9 is also a good stage for farming 3* ascension items for 4* 4.1 / 5* 3.1 .
I need much more string and Rugged clothes ( s1-7-7 ) then farmable 3* ascension items, but I still need some 3* farmable ascension items and s1-8-7 and s1-7-7 do not drop them as loot.
Update:
2018-Dec-08, 3:20A UTC
2.4-10N gives +19% more XP per world energy than 1.7-7.
2.4-10N gives only 1.5 recruits per energy while 1.7-7 gives 2.666 recruits per energy.
2.4-10H gives +25% more XP per world energy than 1.7-7.
2.4-10H only 1.5 recruits per energy while 1.7-7 gives 2.666 recruits per energy.
1.7-7 drops more Rugged clothes and String.
1.7-7 does not drop Scabbards, Chainmail shirts or Tall Boots while 2.4-10 does drop them.
2.4-10 drops more Rugged clothes and Fine steel, but still tracking the number. I have got up to 4x Rugged clothes from one run of 2.4-01N and up to 5x Rugged clothes from one run of 2.4-10H
Map Loot (increased chance of finding) and Craft List ( linky, linky)
Update:
2018-Dec-26, 6:17P UTC
After reading this:
Started auto farming 2.4-8N and using loot tickets on 2.4-8H when I need XP and Rugged clothes, but not recruits.