Simple question. Can they be lowered? Or are they as high as they will be high?

sure, loosen the bolt, lower it down.

wait, is that a Techmonic? it may be as low as it can go.

Not sure what a techmonic is, but I don't think it is...

a nitto techmonic is a stem that has a extra long quill, for making the bars higher than a normal stem will allow.
Anyways, you should be able to lower the stem by loosening the bolt on the top of the stem, and pushing it down, and then re-tightening.

Much thanks, I will give it a shot. My current mike geometry is driving me nuts. But what else should one expect from a 20-year-old bike.

Thanks flatfender, that worked! 20 seconds of work. Happy happy!
j