I can tell you with confidence (I've sold many LHTs) that the steerer comes uncut. If it's low, the shop cut it down.
Regarding "if the bike is a bit small, you can adjust it" wrong. A bike too small will force the saddle up, compromising the ability to get the bars up to a comfortable touring position.
Buy the bike that comes closest to your actual standover max. Then you'll be able to minimize the amount of excess steerer and still have the bars at or above saddle height -- which is where most cyclotourists will want them to be.
This issue has become a common problem with the advent of threadless front ends and abandonment of quill stems. Most off-the-peg bikes have had the decision made at the manufacturer, or shops will chop the steerer upon assembly. One of the nice things about Surly is they wisely leave the decision up to the shop/customer.
Absolutely, take advantage of this.
P.S. You say your inseam = 80.8. Why then wouldn't you be on a 54?
Last edited by Randochap; 04-18-09 at 12:08 PM.