[AMRadio] increase carrier or modulation

[Jim WB5OXQ inb Waco, TX]

If operating at maximum carrier to provide 100% modulation,  which would provide a better more readable signal in the fringe area?
carrier with 100% modulation, or
25% more carrier with 25% less modulation?
Will you be heard better with louder audio or a stronger carrier if you cannot have both?
If the transmitter can only be modulated to 100% with 100 watts of carrier, or 125 watts at 75% carrier.
Which will provide a better more readable signal at the fringe?
wb5oxq