I like both Kagome and Kikyo, but in terms of quality... Kikyo is much better. She has the edge of experience, wisdom, and she has been... more edged due to what happened to her. Add to that, the power of an original is most likely more potent- her raw spiritual power was merely inherited by her reincarnation Kagome. And Kikyo's emotional fortitude is... stronger.

However, Kagome is more relatable, am I right?

Kagome didn't even know she was a priestess and midoriko created the jewel shard so there wouldn't be a show without her even though she wasn't really in it a lot

I would have picked Kikyo, but like said above Midoriko, just out shines them both (Kikyo and Kagome).

Agree with above..Midoriko-san did create the jewel so the ideas may not have been the same without her even though she wasn't in the series as much as the rest..

Kagome, and maybe Midoriko would be second.