can someone explain how the armor values work, higher numbers are better? yes?

That depends on your class. In general yes higher is better. But higher may also mean heavier armor and thus slower movement.

depends what you want

higher numberds are better everywhere except one place.... movement speed penalties

armor the higher the def rating the better it protects you but it also generally means its side abilites are only ok for eg

i cna find a rly nice plate armor high def but low bonuses or a more moderate def bonus but extra str and etc depending no ur opinino and play style the extra heatlh may be more useful then the hihger armor bonus