The high-cut leg lands at a place that has the least body fat to bulge below (vs. on the upper thigh, where we all have a little bulge).  The ruching between the cheeks serves to shape (vs flatten) the butt.  The control in the abdomen is perfect and the shaping tapers off nicely at all edges to minimize bulging beyond.  So I think we all need to lobby Maidenform to bring this one back (I don't have a lifetime supply!).