I did the snakes for the hides, those beasts for the charms, wyres for their copses, lumberjack for the clothing. I used to check each fork, and do the one I liked the sound of out of the 3. I found even if you leveled a little slower doing the easier ones you are still leveling it. Why make life harder on yourself by just doing the horrible ones just cuz it levels you faster. You will be doing this mini game for a decent time if you want it for the diaries, might as well enjoy it as much as you can.