I agree and was thinking the same thing, however bwilli88 is having issues with the pedals hitting the pavement and is considering going back to 700c on this bike. I would go for Witcomb too, but this detail changes everything. That is a big change.

As a result, I am having "paralysis by analysis" and haven't made a decision.

Perhaps shorter cranks, road racing pedals instead of touring pedals, platform pedals, something that get pedal strikes minimized while maintaining the 650b wheels and that Witcomb would be the keeper.