In my limited experience I have had two bikes. One was my Trek 7.6 FX WSD, and I had the smallest 15" size. The reach was just too long, the bike was too big for me and it was eventually sold. It fit well enough to learn how to ride, but caused agony with rides longer than, say, 20 miles.

My LHT, on the other hand, is certainly not a WSD design and while there was an expensive conversion from road bars to mountain bars/trigger shifters that conversion had nothing to do with my reach. The bike fit fine.

I am 5'3" in my stocking feet - and it is ironic that my only experience with WSD didn't work for me. It just goes to show that it doesn't "need" to have that design to have something that will work for you - I think it depends a lot on the manufacturer and bike design - and it also helps to have access to a very good fitter. Just my 2 cents worth - and others here have far more experience from which to draw.