These aftermarket adjustable stems can be seen in the hundreds on any big tour. In nearly every case they are set as high as they can go because the bike originally had the bars too darn low. And frequently it's because the entire bike's geometry is set up to have the handlebars far below the seat. It's difficult to make things right when you start out from there.

There are lightweight touring bikes out there where the bars start out level with the seat but your bike shop will have to look around for them. Unfortunately the bike manufacturers have specialized bike design to such an extent your choices are either a full on race bike or a bike for pedaling over to the MCL cafeteria on. Bikes for the long distance cyclotourist just aren't in production like they were in the 50's through the 80's.

Explain to the clerk that you are not racing competitively. Some clerks are unaware that there is any other type of riding. Tell him you want a bike designed to have the handlebars level with the seat before any crazy stems are added to it. Explain to him that if you need to get more aerodynamic you'll switch your hands to the bottom part of the bars, a feature he may not be aware of.