What are the best strategies for down traders & tacticians?

In some games I've noticed players trying to trade down for the end game.  At the levels I play I'm not terrible in end games, but not great. I win (and lose) a fair number of them. But still, I don't like being forced into that position and I'm wondering what stronger players think about all of that.

The other scenario is when someone starts off on the attack, pulling one tactic after another, and manages to never let up. I can often put up a good defense and even win, but sometimes I'm on the defensive the whole game and it's just a matter of time before I fall. I'm sure I'm not going to like the advice I get, but still open to ideas about how to approach that scenario.

Im a trader so my best response will be, just get better in endgames. About attacking players, just close the position, stay solid....and trade your pieces :)

As a person who will attack until the end of time if I'm allowed to, the best way to defend is to play actively castle when right and try to trade pieces if possible.