The answer is they didn't fit me much at all. I tried a few different bikes, but then we walked into some clearance Venturas that also felt rather good- my Sport is shorter reach than DH's Comp model which I had tried in a 54 also and definitely noticed the length. We were lucky enough to get the one sales guy who owned a road bike, but the fact I got close to what I need was mostly me... going by feel.... having never had a real roadbike before (80s tenspeeds don't count). I'm lucky I got as close as I did. This is why I'm wondering why I didn't just go to Landrys and pay more and have the right bike. Too late now tho- live and learn.

My new best friend (did I mention he's quite easy on the eyes too? Don't tell DH) at Landrys is going to address the stem once he locates the right size FSA. I'm sure he'll find a better saddle position too.