OK - I lose. Not first. Did Merlin have HT extensions prior to 2003? Note - there were many exceptions before by smaller builders. Without pics, but I think a fancy lug Columbine had a model with tall, ornate lugs. And the guys outa Philly, who did a bike for basketball players, as did L. Zinn.

In my defense, I can only say your observations about sport or sport touring had the same vagueness when used bitd. So many models, so many geometry combinations; but back then I think there were fewer 'categories'.