From the sounds of it, my Giant cyclo-x bike might be the best bet as far as a bike goes. The part about having a bit wider tire was a factor I considered when I bought the bike. I think the bars that I have on it now might be a bit too wide. They are 46cm wide bars, but I feel like when I am on the hoods, I am resting on the pads of my thumbs versus the centre of my palms. The bike had 42cm bars on it when I got it and they were too narrow, but maybe I went too far to the extreme the other way.
As far as having a short stem with more rise, I have noticed when I am on the hoods, the bars are a bit behind the front axle. Is that an issue at all as far as handling is concerned? I always thought the optimal position was to have the bars blocking view of the front axle when you are on the hoods.