Adam:
The hands falling asleep with OSS thing is overblown, in my IMHO.
I feel your pain. You like what you like. The Stiletto is the cheapest USS bike you are likely to find (in a shop), but it is not on the same level of quality as the Bacchetta. Given that it is essentially an Actionbent recumbent, the Stiletto is overpriced at $1600. If it was $3-400 cheaper, different story.
I think the hand numbness spiel is the dealer just trying to move the bike. For the $, the Bacchetta is the better deal. If you want USS, you'll get something very similar if you shop at the Actionbent website. (Be polite and don't take your Actionbent to the XPR shop).
As far as steering and comfort, I think that's just the way USS is. It's a compromise, more comfort for less maneuverability (You have to admit its a weird looking setup, but those who like it really love it.)
Last edited by Recumbomatic; 09-22-07 at 09:16 AM.