jess, I have really long toes, too. Sometimes I'm not sure whose feet I have.

Long shot, but have you looked at the Hoka One One? It's like a 3 or 4 mm drop but obviously with a substantial sole. I'd say a good 40% + of the ultra running crowd here wears them and swears by them (including my TRR partner). Not the shoe for me (I'm pretty much in love with the Peregrine 2), but I don't know anyone who has them that has gone back to, uh, more "traditional" shoes.

I run on pretty technical trails and long ago came to the conclusion that while I like a shallower drop (like 3-4 mm), I do not like a minimal sole. The shoe manufacturers are finally figuring out that there is a market for this type of shoe.

I'm surprised SadieKate didn't mention the Scarpa running shoes. Have you seen them?