@DS- it really depends what kind of sound you want to evoke from the lead sound. In my experience, simpler is the better.
As for a lead patch, sounds like you want a patch that has the flavor of a violin, but have the modulation capabilities to go outside the safety zone.
My strategy is to keep it very simple and hence playable.
Loud and bright- adjust the velocity so it plays louder when the note are hit harder.at the same time, have the low pass filter open some when it is played harder. Both would have to be understated and adjusted so the two complement each other. You may want after touch to adjust amplitude, but it may be too much to effectively control. If you do so, do likewise for the filter so you can get more of a growl.
Mod wheel some light vibrato. Pitch wheel no more than 3 - 1/2 steps (I often do 2)