Thanks for getting back to us.
I know what you mean about the test-riding thing. When I was hunting (and it is a hunt ) for a mountain bike, I kept a little notebook and wrote sizes and observations, components...everything...for comparison later. One day I just got a bike that "felt" right...and that was that.

If you are tall and evenly proprotioned you have a lot more choices! The stretched out thing might feel weird at first, but you'll probably be happy with it in the long run (from your description of yourself and your riding style).

Good luck with your hunt!