I wouldn't see why using the tying method in the video, but modified for thicker calves, by finishing the tying well below the calf would be a problem..

Personally, I don't care for the long laces up my leg... I would rather have them lower, even though, as with the video model, I have skinny legs....

Aren't there brogues that don't have super-long laces?? Isn't it the open-style top of the shoe that make them ghillie brogues, and not the laces??