As well as the above answers you must consider what sound you are after. You say 'I play a little lead', you then have to make sure your strings can cope with the times you are not playing lead. The heavier gauge the fuller guitar sound you will have, the lighter will give you less but are far easier to bend etc. The best way is to try them out and see which you prefer for the sound you want.
If you don't have lots of guitar to use different string gauges on, (who does) I would advice your local store and give them a try. I have pasted a link for your information.
Thinner gauges are easier for lead. Best is a matter of opinion honestly. I play rhythm and I choose a 9 because it's easier for me.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.