when people are saying loose, i dont think they mean unbuckled or like buckled but not really doing anything. i consider my boots loose, but there is definitely not room for my calves to move(when im just standing there). i dont crank mine as tight as they go, or until they hurt, but i still keep them tight enough to ski well. ive tried every different level of tightness and IMO it doesnt really help me to make them so tight it hurts. but if your boots arent at least "very snug" then it will hurt your skiing.
and all that was just for park. if im actually skiing i make them tighter.