Nice build. This is almost exactly the build I used in the prior ladder season and the first half of the ladder season that ended today. Since I only use my smiter for trist runs I changed to gear what I felt works better for solo'ing the ubers (see my variation below). It never takes me more than a minute, I never die, about 1/2 the time my merc lives through it. But as you say, a lot of this is just personal preference.
Helm: Ber'ed Andy's
Explanation: I get 80+% CB with gores + lastwish PB. Other properties on Andy are too good to turn down.
Body Armor: Coh
Explanation: Agree: I have no idea why you would want anything other then a COH.
Weapon: Lastwish PB
Explanation: With other gear choices I don't need IAS from Grief and the added CB, fade, life tap, and might work better for pure ubers
Sheild: Elite paladin shield exile
Explanation: Agree that this is preference, in fact for me it is almost a toss up. HoZ is definately better for zealing and a great shield. I chose Exile for the extra life tap source, defiance, and freeze. With two life tap sources I never worry about it not casting quickly enough. And with defiance from shield and might from lastwish I can use a holy freeze merc.
Gloves: I use laying of hands.
Explanation: I have no need for life tap so these seem like the best option. Plus they are uber cheap
Boots: Upp'ed Goreriders
Explanation: Hard to argue with these unless you just don't need the CB or DS.
Amulet: Seraphs
Explanation: I don't need the stats or resists from maras, this is cheaper and the other properties are better suited to melee
Rings: 1x raven and 1x resist + stat + AR ring
Explanation: I need the stats and CNBF + the resists are nice until fade casts
Belt: String of Ears
Explanation: Never bothered to get a better belt, DR and LL are nice.