I don't have any real world experience with Meinl but I have branched out from "the big 3" and found a nice family called Istanbul. The Xist series seems to be exactly what you are searching for. Have you given them a look?
Not trying to redirect you at all but just thought you might want as much new information as you can acquire.
As for the characteristics you are looking for in a ride, I found what you want in my Sabian Paragon 22" ride. All I can say is go find one to try out. I like their 14" hats, too. For crashes (I like what you prefer) and I found that in Zildjian A Customs.
So that basically makes up my gig cymbal set up. Sabian Paragon hats and ride, Zildjian A custom and Istanbul Xist crashes.
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