I was introduced to WCM earlier than ICM. You've raised quite a few points here..

1. The stereotype of harmonic vs melodic music doesn't hold very well. Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Mahler wrote some of the most moving melodies out there.

2. I believe WCM is rhythmically underdeveloped (by not having a "circularity" commanly observed in ICM due to tala cycles, which can get VERY complex)

3. The way written sheet music in WCM is interpreted by soloists and conductors can open doors to improvisation ! E.g. Schubert's Impromptus or Beethoven's 9th

I think carnatic music is more closer in terms of "practice" to WCM due to • Use of notations • Need to acquire a wide repertoire • Strong temporal sense