The "fiddleyness" of matching increases is one of the reasons that I like to do my socks and hose from the top down. K2Together and SSK decreases match much better than any paired increases that I've been able to figure out.

For different options, look for directions about decreases (or increases) along a raglan sleeve line on sweaters knit in the round. That seam has the same basic issues as the calf shaping on hose (ie a varying change in stitch count over a visually obvious distance). Jacqueline Fee's The Sweater Workshop has a set of pictures of various options for paired decreases. It's back in print and usually available from libraries. (Also recommended if you are interested in sweater knitting in general - teaches you how to measure and design without a 'pattern'.)