This is hard b/c I have different diapers for different reasons. I have the "single pee" diapers for day use where my goals for those diapers are different from my overnight stash. (although overnight diapers can be used in day, most of the day diapers aren't even considered for night). Covers can work the same way...
I'll pay a lot more for the night stash (and travel about town stash, which is the same except I have some AIOs that aren't night diapers). Some of my night stash was bought NEW (gasp
)
Fit-- not as relevant in the summer in many respects, but prefer to maximize trimness and reliable absorbency (who doesn't?)
Breathability-- he's coverless a lot of the day, but I like this for the majority of the time
Absorbancy--a definite plus (and a must in the night/travel stash)
Made by a WAHM--another bonus, but since a lot of my stash is PFs, I prefer to think of "made and/or sold by a WAHM"
Cuteness--not so important, but to be honest I find most diapers cute
Durability-- o yeah, I seek this out
Trimness--well, must not be *that* important or I'd stick to simple PFs and PUL (and I don't do that)
That "stay-dry" feeling-- I use a home-made liner
Ease of use--must not be that important b/c aplix is the easiest and I don't have much (nor do I seek it, unless a great price)
Price--yeah, I'm a TP troll (oopps, bad word around the net... but I do troll the TP
)
Hyenaness-- means nothing, unless its hyenna b/c it meets my other goals. I do read the reviews and my mish-mash stash proves I experiment. Often when I get a hyena diaper, I understand why its so coveted. But if it doesn't work, then I don't want it.
