Larvitar Question

This is just me but i'd prefer option 1.

If it were me, I would definitely go with the 2nd one. He still have good IVs, and you can actually use him. You can save the 98% and hope that you will one day have that kind of candy.

I guess there are a few variables to this answer.

It depends how rare Larvitar candies are for you. It will take quite a few (around 50?) to get the 96 to where the other one is. Also, it depends on if you already have a full set of high CP defenders that can hold gyms for you. Those few CP points don't make much difference if you aren't going to use him as a high CP defender that isn't actually good at defending.

For me the answer would be number 2 but my situation relative to the above questions may be different from yours.

I personally would go with the 84% huge difference in cp will cost alot in dust and candy, the 84% will still top pretty much every gym just as the 98% would

Definitely option 1.

You need to evolve the one that gives you Bite/SE or Bite/Crunch.

So in your position what I'd do is wait till I have 248 candies. Then I'd evolve the 97% first. If you get B/SE or B/C, bingo and power that sucker up. But if you get IT/whatever, roll the dice one more time with your 84%.

With Larvitar being Uncommon from eggs, you should get more in time...I'd probably do both honestly, but with the gym rework, you can save the candies for now, or do Number 2 and use it assuming it's CP is high enough, then power up/evolve 1 eventually if CP is still a factor in gym placement. I maxed a level 2 Chansey who was 95%+.

Also as mentioned, if you already have lots of defenders and you are higher level than people in your area, then you can take your time as you collect 100 each day anyways.

I figure once I get 10-12 solid defenders, I'd be in less of a rush to power up defenders anymore.