...One boot to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them!

 There's not an easy answer I'm afraid. For instance, I have a pair of Raichle Mtn Trail GTX's, and am really happy with them. As an early spring and late autumn boot, they're brilliant! In the summer, they're too hot For winter, either my plastic Asolo boots, or Scarpa Mantas. And in the summer, my Hi-Tec Ascent II's (the eVent-lined ones), or my North Face Hedgehogs are all I wear now.

For what you're indicating, perhaps something of an all-rounder, like the Scarpa SL M3 is what you're looking for. Something light, but sturdy enough to stand up to the abuse

 But I'd agree with your last statement! 

Sam

Its going to be down to personal prefrence - dont be guided on footwear, buy what is comfortable, durable and most of all - suits you.

I have a pair of Mtn Trail GTX's - I cant get on with them - so I use them for work.

On the other hand Scarpa fit me fine, but years ago I had some Scarpa Mantas and the ripped my toes to shreds!

Be absolutely sure of the fit before you walk out of the shop with them.

I also have a pair of Mt trail xt gtx and they're terrific boots for the rough stuff.

I've had mine for about 6 months and they seem to be coping with bad weather, bogs, rocks and the usual knocks and scrapes very well indeed. They're very well padded too so they're pretty comfortable out of the box. 

Downsides:

Obviously, they're a heavyish and warm boot, so they're not ideal for summer. I've got some TNF adrenaline XCR mid cut approach shoes for this kind of thing.

The inner soles provided are bit hard and thin, for me anyway, so I replaced them with thicker, more comfortable ones.

Also, they're stiff and have a rolling style, so they're not ideal for flatter, gentler walks. Again some approach shoes would be better.

Overall though, as a general, durable, backpacking boot in spring and Autumn over rough hill/mountain terrain they are fine. 

i have some scarpa nepals which i love and some of the new model mt trail xt gtx that i won which i dont get on with , i feel to high off the ground and my feet feel hot in them

 i also know a few people who have had the old model mt tral xt gtx and they fell to bits ranging from 6months to a year and a half old but apparenlty they have sorted that problem now.

my suggestion would be to make sure you got the boots fitted properly and try lots of different makes and models on in various shops