you seem to have good density hair at the back &sides,
my opinion would be a partial, known as "topper."
the partial as you are already aware has to be colour matched,density matched depending on existing hair coverage, and i suppose age appropriate,
you seem to know exactly what youre looking for,
not a total newbie by youre description*

best move i made wearing,
enjoy, i am!!!
been wearing for 14 months,
youll receive the best advice from pros, long term wearers to everyone in between here, there a fantastic set of folk,stick around for some cracking advice
anty
i spike my hair at the front and ordered slight wave,(not from toplace but a one lady salon) which works superb,
front was lace,sides-back, poly,middle lace,med brown,med density.
still works for me,
and the ladies girls love me,
im trying to make the most of things in 2012.
woud you agree youre around 5-6 on the norwood scale?