It is obviously a part of the equation but also another aspect that has to be watched is the lateral area, sideburn and how that behaves in relation to the temporal recession. Some people can recede but still keep that "triangle" of hair in the lateral that comes out, whereas others this starts to miniaturise and recede back with the temple.
This is very important to notice when designing a new hair line, the hair line is one area from beyond just the temple angles but down the sides also, all must be in symetry to create the correct angles and framing of the face.
You adjust one area you must also adjust another to keep uniform and follow the basic principles of nature. For example you cannot have a low or flatter hair line without rebuilding the laterals if they have receded, and to rebuild can take many grafts.
This is an important aspect because many guys when the lateral receds means they can suffer and advance stage of hair loss so it can be a good indication to be conservative in making any design.