believe ultra-q is right on. I plan to road test the Giant OCR in the spring as well for the same reasons you well state. I like my bars at the same level as the seat also.
Sometimes this puts you into a bigger, heavier frame with a longer top bar. Believe the new Comfort style bikes which are coming in bigger numbers...perhaps pandering to boomers like me :-) fit the bill you precisely describe. Even Trek is getting into the act with their new Pilot series. Just makes sense. Most that ride aren't racers or as fit as racers and should have a bike that doesn't have as aggressive a fit.
I will be giving the OCR Composite 2 and 3 a whirl when the snow stops if I can find one in my area.
Good Luck,
George