Originally Posted by
kbarch
I do, kind of, because "it won't hurt" isn't advice at all, it's merely reassurance, and suggesting that someone swap out parts rather than have someone who knows something about bike fit take a look first is poor advice.
Meanwhile, all this talk about how the OP should have a 58 because he's six feet tall....

I'm 6'-0" and my frames are at most 55.5, albeit with a 120 mm stem, typically. Yes, I often ride pretty upright, as you can see in the photo at left (showing off after cresting a little hill, sitting up to wave to make it look as effortless as possible - the full image showed guys behind struggling on their way up.

) but on my latest fitting on a 55, we got everything set up where even on the tops, unless I
really stretch out my arms, I've rotated my hips for a lower, more "pro" positioning.

A 55.5 frame is one size down from a 58, not two full sizes down.
The original question was whether it is acceptable to use a shorter stem than 110. The answer is yes, it is acceptable. Why turn a simple question into a complicated one?
Many people would benefit from a fit. But not everyone is going to get one, nor is everyone prepared to pay $200 for such a service when experimenting with a $15 stem is in line with their needs. It doesn't have to be either/or.