Right now the, the bars on the Scott are an inch closer and an inch higher ( when sitting on the bike - to sag the forks ), than the Marin commuting bike. If I find that's not enough, and I start becoming unstuck, I will do as you suggest and look at a long riser stem and try un-cut drops on it. I did try a short Ritchey adjustable riser stem, before I cut the bars - but it did not feel right.

Both frames are Mediums and I'm 5ft8". But I've always had hand pains on flat bars as supplied, despite bar ends - but the reach to the hoods sorts this out for me. Maybe I'm just a different size from the standard fit - scrublover's comment.