For stylus that elliptical or non-fine lined, the VTA is less critical. Generally the description of tighter non-muddy bass and clean highs makes sense.
But for a fin-line or Shibata stylus I think you need to listen a bit differently. The groove wall modulations for bass are large, and any semi-aligned crtridge will play them. But high frequencies are very small, to the point where the angle of the cutting head plays a major role. Since a fine line stylus shape is also narrow it becomes apparent that the high frequency grooves must align with the narrow stylus edges.
Therefore you need to listen to leading edge transients on cymbals and bells and such. If you get that right then all else should fall into place.
But for a fin-line or Shibata stylus I think you need to listen a bit differently. The groove wall modulations for bass are large, and any semi-aligned crtridge will play them. But high frequencies are very small, to the point where the angle of the cutting head plays a major role. Since a fine line stylus shape is also narrow it becomes apparent that the high frequency grooves must align with the narrow stylus edges.
Therefore you need to listen to leading edge transients on cymbals and bells and such. If you get that right then all else should fall into place.