Fie on you that don't like high laced ghillie brogues!
I admit I do like the high look, but have just gotten used to doing it "properly" as it were, in a pipe band context, though we have members that lace them high and haven't reached uniformity on this yet.

I think there's ideally a Goldilocks height on laces. Of course, that differs depending on individual taste, but I'd avoid going ridiculously high (looks a little trollopy IMHO) or conversely just wrapping around your ankles, which just looks sloppy and lazy.

I can tie them tight enough to be a tourniquet and they will fall after just a few steps.
I have skinny calves, so that could be another factor. You were describing how tight I tie them before a parade! So it wasn't that. If a safety pin works, do it! And I'll remember this advice for my brethren with larger calves.