I'd go for Rings mainly because it's a bell when ye plate thread is treaded and I kept snapping the plates in the same place when I had a mod. Plus you can customise ye ring unlike thee plate and last longer for moi.
Best thing is to buy a Hope XC in the first place last longer and worth the price. If the Base is like Shimano ones then they are turd as I always snap the axle on Shimano's...
It's your choice really if you want it on the back or the front pro for the front is that it engages quicker and having it on the rear will make it last longer.