No, you don't need clipless pedals for fitting....that's stupid.

That's like saying you need to be in padded shorts and a jersey (an expesive REI one only!) to get a proper fit.

I used to be a road-muncher and was "fitted" to a 56cm road frame. The bars were always 2+ inches lower than the seat and it took me a while to get used to, but I eventually did.

Then after I apprenticed at a shop and learned a LOT more I bought a surly LHT in the 60cm size based on Rivendell's PBH webpage. The fit is MUCH better and I still have 1.25" clearance on the top tube. The bike is so much more comfortable with the proper fit.

I focus on seat tube height and top tube length IN THAT ORDER - regardless of how many sites are now saying that it should be the other way around. I don't buy it - having 8-12" of seatpost exposed can be done now, but is stupid looking and flexy. top-tube length is fairly easy to fix with stems and bars.

Just my opinion, not more.