Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Assuming constant crank arm length, and therefore constant distance between the BB and seat, then I think the main issues are:
1. Cornering: higher BB reduces risk of pedal strike
2. Stopping without dismounting: higher seat makes it harder to reach your toe to the ground
3. Mounting/dismounting: the higher the seat, the harder to swing your leg over it.
For a racing bike, (1) is a distinct advantage, while (2) and (3) are no particular disadvantage. A higher BB is therefore indicated.
On a touring bike, (1) is no particular advantage, while (2) and (3) are definite disadvantages. Lower BB indicated.
Change your crank arm length, and all these considerations go out the window.