The worst combination of handling characteristics is a bike with too long of a forward reach, together with a steep headtube angle.

Why? Because the steep head tube needs a longer stem to calm the bike's steering at higher speeds, yet the frame's toptube reach is too large for the rider to use a longer stem. A bike like this is one that I can't feel stable on, so I would sell it.

So yes, a steeper front end makes for quicker steering, but with shallower fork rake and a longer stem, the bike may handle well at high speed.
The Peugeot PX10LE above handles very quick but can be ridden at very high speeds with no wobble or weave. I would not want to descend at speed on rougher roads, and I would especially not want to have to change hand position while riding it under any challenging conditions, as the steering has so little effect of holding it's own line. You could say it is flighty, but with both hands on the bars it is actually safe to move around on within a fast, tight group of riders.
Climbing off of the LE and onto a Raleigh International is the most comforting thing however, since suddenly you can ride around one-handed, take a drink, bomb confidently down a bumpy descent or take a long look behind you while riding. You take none of these things for granted on an LE, or on the E. Christophe pictured above.