One of the reasons there is so many different responses is that mods and tactics matter a great deal. Really great mods are worth at least 1 gear level, more likely 2.
Another reason is that since there are 7 ewoks there are a variety of teams used. Some work better then others.
Another is which zetas are in play.
As for gear priority that depends a bit on which ewoks you use. Elder is very important and was my highest geared ewok (12) when I did it. But had I been gearing ewoks specifically for that event with my mix (zChipa, zWicket, Elder, Scout, Paploo) I would have preferred to have Paploo as the highest gear as his tanking ability was very important.