Is the author presenting a clear-cut preference for sense over sensibility?

Answer 1

I think Austen was preferring Sense to Sensibility. The younger Dashwood sister represented sensibility (emotion) and a great deal of harm came of it. She fell in love with the man Willoughby who lacked integrity. His charming exterior attracted young Dashwood and was thus betrayed and almost died of an illness indirectly caused by her obsession. The elder Dashwood sister represented sense (rationalism) and made fewer mistakes although she was more prone to depression I think.
Austen's apparent preference toward rationalism is expressed in Pride and Prejudice as well. Lizzy Bennett exemplified prejudice and unwisely resented Darcy due to a bad first impression although he was in fact a good man. Instead she began to feel attracted to Mr. Wickham who made a charming first impression but was in fact a very immoral man.

Answer 2

It depends on the context of the author's work. Some authors may indeed prefer sense over sensibility in their writing, while others may strive to balance both qualities. It's important to consider the themes, characters, and overall message of the work to determine the author's stance.