Best way to level Defense skills?

[Velerin]

One thing I noticed that was different here was how defense skills went up. When I tried live last year, leveling is so fast I had to devote some time to defense skill raises. I found you only had a chance for a raise if the mob missed. I believe it was like that back in the day too?
Here on p1999 you get raises for hits and misses so its even easier to raise.