You keep talking about not liking being stretched out, and you feel you will be limited to a short stem on the 55. What does that tell you?

Well, if you want to be rational I can't help you. I like spending other people's money. If you do decide to buy a new bike, I would still lean towards the 650 wheels. I like them, especially on smaller frames. I have them on a 56 cm Long Haul Trucker and have been very happy with them, still am. Zero overlap issues, strong, and they make the LHT more nimble than the 700s.