I know what you mean. The whole cliche thing is dramatic and good, but it's tiring to see the story go exactly the way you expect it to go, right?
Okay, the mangas I'm gonna recommend still has some of the cliche stuff, but the female characters are more likeable and independent.
-Heroine...
It depends. If its action, then I would probably watch the anime.
But if its shoujo/romance, then I would read the manga.
I don't read action mangas because they're not as exciting in my opinion.