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Would you go with cages or stakes on toms in 5-gal buckets, and why?
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Both, unless you have a fence line. Unless you are growing dwarfs I would go with cages. One, it is easier to support the plants especially if you choose not to trim your plant to a single stem and two if you are unable to secure your container/cage, the cage will offer protection in case the plant falls or is blown over by wind.
This is where the stakes come in. If you don't have a fence line to support your caged plants you will need to drive a stake into the ground to which you can secure the container/plant to.
Also with a cage you can use tie-wraps to help support the plant and fruits to the cage. If you do get an indeterminate that out grows the cage you can get bamboo poles/stakes and tie wrap them to the cage extending 2/3 feet above the cage and tie-wrap the stem to the bamboo poles.
Lastly, Tie-Wraps are one of the most indispensable items to have when growing plants in containers. From securing the cage to the container to securing the plant to the cage you name it. Plus you can daisy chain them to make them longer. Good stuff.
Ami