They don't necessarily contradict - one could create a couple of 80/20 districts for the political boss of the region and 51/49 (or 60/40 to be safer) for the rest of the region.
Also, I've mostly heard the second argument made, not the first. A large party's leadership should probably lean in that direction anyway, not caring as much about the individual official.
Also, I've mostly heard the second argument made, not the first. A large party's leadership should probably lean in that direction anyway, not caring as much about the individual official.