Which matters more for narrow calf boots -- the top or the ankle?

I think I've made it pretty clear by now that I feel the sleekness and slimness of a slim calf boot has to do not just with one circumference measurement but with three: the opening, the midcalf, and the ankle. Once in a blue moon, you might find a boot that is small in all three of these, such as the all-but-gone-now Michael Kors Arley. More commonly, it's lucky enough to find one that's small in one or two of the magic three measurements.

My last two reviews got me thinking about what matters more in terms of the overall look on a thin leg: a snug fit at the ankle, like you can get with the Sesto Meucci Boyle boot (above), or up top, as delivered by the same company's Boomer style (below)?  Personally I think a snug ankle lends itself to dressing up a boot, while a roomier one has a more casual vibe. So maybe it depends on when, where & how you're planning on wearing your narrow calf boots.

If we can't have it all, do we choose that great fit up down, down low, or call it a toss-up and look at features such as hardware and other details, quality of materials & price as the tiebreakers?

photo: amazon.com

One last thought: For a truly custom fit from top to bottom, if you're open to laces, check out the much-loved (though not easy to find) Frye Melissa Lace. (as of May 2016, a very rare-for-this-style under $200 & even under $150 in some size/color combos) It may be the ultimate way to adjust at ankle through top, no matter what you're wearing underneath. 

If anyone feels like piping up, I'd love your input! If you have to pick, what's your priority?