Don't know if this has been mentioned or not (I didn't go through the entire thread, as it's quite long) but the smallest Salsa Vaya models come with 26" wheels. This makes for a 50cm top tube, 74.5 degree seat tube angle and 69.8 cm(27.5") stand-over clearance on the smallest (50 cm) size. 26" wheels make so much sense for a small touring-type bike.
I spotted a 56cm Vaya in a local shop today and looked it up when I got home. Neat machine.
http://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya_3