Oh, you should feel a big difference in the handlebars- your elbows should love you again! A narrower handlebar will effectively shorten the reach, and adding the shorter stem will of course do the same so you won't be reaching waaayyy out there. Beautiful bike, I like the yellow tape! No reason to suffer, womanize away in style on that bike!

Let us know how it goes. And give the saddle some time now that the bike fits differently. If Bontrager still has a 90 day love it or return it policy, use that time to determine if gel is for you. Can't stand the stuff, personally, I prefer something firm that holds me up but everyone is different and it might be your cup of tea. I ride the mens RXL and love it, but it's a way different beast than the WSD saddle.