OK, I wore them again yesterday for a 25 mile ride. Yes, they are a little lower than the sss shorts. But, to answer Miranda's question, they do hold you in/compress because the lycra content is very high. In fact, that is my #1 requirement in a short, besides the chamois. I hate having an elastic waistband. It constricts me and I am one of those people who gets "lines" that last all day from elastic that is tight. If you mean you want the shorts to "hold in" your stomach area, well these shorts won't work, for the area right below the navel, because they are lower.
Also, I am long waisted, even though I am short and wear petite sizes. I often have trouble wearing dresses in my size, that have a defined waist, because the petite sized dresses have waists that come up where my chest starts! But regular sized dresses are huge on me.
I guess I am the only fan.