Shimming vs Bridge Lowering

Assuming that the strings can be brought all the way down, or way to high with saddle adjustments, would a shim differently affect the string to fingerboard distance over the length of the neck? I was wondering if there is a difference between the bridge adjustments that take place at the end of the strings, and the shim being sort of a pivot point closer to the center. Maybe some law of physics or geometry that I'm unaware of. If possible, I'd like the strings to be just a little lower at the high end of the finger board without affecting the the lower end.