User blog comment:Johannah14/Maxing some Abilities/@comment-9048637-20130529063101

Personally, I think you're right in all cases. I don't play Vayne myself, but my flatmate does and he always maxes Q first, for exactly the reasons you gave. As for Katarina, I agree - W's extra MS as it levels is not to be overlooked. I'd also throw in the fact that it has a lower cooldown than Q even when Q is levelled, so it's more useful as a poke. Given that they both gain the same amount of total damage as they level, that for me sways the argument in favour of W.

As for Lulu, I too max Q first, for better harrass, then W for the lower cooldown. I can see arguments for maxing E first, but... honestly, even when levelled, Lulu's shield is pretty pathetic as shields go. E has much more utility for the ability to combo it with Q. As for the damage it gains on enemy casts... well, as far as harrassing the enemy goes, Q is just better all the way. So I'd probably stick with maxing that first. Like I say, I can concede that there is an argument the other way, though.

I don't play Riven, but it looks like other commenters have that covered. ;)