I am also a squishy rectangle with a long rise and a curvy butt--although my legs are not especially shapely until the ankles. I actually prefer low-rise jeans, although I'm younger than most on this forum. A 7.5" rise is "magic" for me because it sits on my hips below my squishy section; I can comfortably wear a 7-8" rise. I'm more rectangle than apple so this works for me, as long as I don't try to tuck a slim shirt into pants.
I've tried countless mid-rise and high-rise jeans, including premium brands, and they actually give me muffin top because my rise is verrrry long (waist = hand width above my belly button) but doesn't go in much. If I do manage to find a high-rise pant that hits my true waist, I have to go up 2 sizes and everything else is huge.
So, just an alternative perspective on dealing with muffin top... don't rule out low-rise completely, especially in premium brands that will fit your booty better. Very low rises are cut with a large waist to accommodate hips, so you may be able to size down (I have a 28" waist and wear a size 26 low-rise jean).