There are lower-rise and higher-rise versions of NYDJ in the bazillions of styles they make, but I didn't even try them on. I told the salesclerk what I was looking for, and she found the perfect fit right away.

The ones I bought ("Marilyn" I think) hit about 3 finger-widths below my belly-button. That's what I think of as a normal rise for me, makes me happy.

In the back, they hit just below the top of my iliac crest (top of the pelvis).

I'm long-waisted and very hour-glass shaped. YMMV.

Irulan - that article you linked mentions (and links) Diamond Gusset jeans, which Mimi and I both like quite a lot. Also made in the USA.