Actually the other bike was too big. It is a 57cm and I normally take a 54cm frame. I didn't know that when I bought the thing though. It was a clearance bike and the salesman was just trying to unload it I suspect. It is a hybrid (Sirrus) so the dropped bar thing doesn't really apply. ALso my position on all three bikes is pretty similar. I noticed a real increase in comfort on long rides with a 170mm crank as opposed to a 175mm crank on the Sirrus.
As for parts, I went over everything myself and all is in good order but you make some good points and any of these could weigh could factor in.