On my bike I have a 100mm x 35-deg stem, down from a 110mm x 35-deg. On my MTB I have a 120mm x 35-deg stem which places me even higher than my cross bike.
For hand comfort:
I bought a set of Fizik's handlebar gel pads and placed them in the hooks and wrapped them in Cinelli cork tape. Provided just the right amount of cushion against the harshe realities of off-roading.
The Fizik tape provided with the gel was their standard thin stuff-- but the orange Cinelli tape matched my bike. Gotta have a hawt ride! Anyway-- the result wasn't too bulky (to me) and provided just the right amount of cushion. Similar to good rubber grips on an MTB.
Many have added Velox rubber bar-end plugs and have found that helps with the perception of the short hook. They stick out about 1/4-inch once inserted. (I have smallish hands and the Midge fits just right.)