I usually play as a male character, but I don't use the default appearance. I choose a preset I like and then customize it.

^ that's what i do too, in 4 i usually use the default and do some tiny changes but in other games i just pick a preset and then just change the hair and hair color cus usually i dont see the face anyway

I play as a female character whenever possible. As The Appalachian mentioned, she's not the default, but starts with a preset base which is then customized to suit. Beauty is, after all, in the eye of the player. :)