I'm also in a bit of a different situation than many. In addition to the volume, I'm growing my own from nuts in a root pruning container system starting them early indoors under lights. So, I have good control over them. I typically prune them to a whip as soon as they form lateral branches when they are still tiny. Some trees are just prolific early branchers and I can't keep up with them, but many take more of the American form. This makes tubing much easier and most of my branching begins about the 5' tube. I've also learned to keep trees in the root pruning containers longer. Deer pruning lateral branches is not a big issue. The real issue is if they can prune the central leader. Then I end up with a bush rather than a tree and I doubt those will ever produce.
I believe the lower leaves contribute more energy to the root system. Since I root pruning and have great root systems, this is not a concern for me. However, it is something to consider for those not using a root pruning system.
I think in general, I'd always prefer a cage over tubes if cost was not an issue. There may be some slight growth benefit to a tube in some cases, but tubes cause issues in other cases. The only thing that drives me to tubes is cost.
Be sure to use a weed barrier. Removing competition from the first 5' around a tree can make a big difference in growth rates.
Thanks,
Jack