You may want to check out a local bike shop or two, most around here have a bin of various stems. They are more than happy to let you swap them out and ride with a few different sizes, and when you get one you like you keep that one and they'll keep theirs : ) I got a deal on some stems at jenson recently for 2 or 3 bucks a piece so I threw them a few extras and they were thrilled.

If you're uncomfortable, keep adjusting the bike. : ) Some people are more willing than others to sacrifice comfort for speed, or just don't care about comfort because of a short ride. I personally think they're silly.