What do you consider "cheese defense tactics"?

In general, I don't do anything. If I don't want to have to deal with any mobs, I build a double stone castle wall.

In the black forest a stake wall will keep out the pests and generally slow down trolls long enough to deal with them. In swamp and beyond I just build a building with stone walls.

The mobs in the plains are pretty static for the most part, so you will generally not have fuling knocking at your door, but deathsquitos will keep you from farming in your underwear.

Of course, you have to deal with events. If you don't want to take them on / agro them away, you can generally make a safe spot with strong walls / removable stairs, etc, and repair as necessary, but they may tear up parts of your base in the process.