Stem seems to be doing it's work: place the handlebar where it needs to be. I like routing the front brake cable over the stem, like old road bikes do. I want to look at your Salsa ... Ala carte is my unicorn.
I remember lusting after this bike at covent garden cycles. Bought a GT, something in between a tequesta and karakoram; nice but the stumpjumber was lighter and better.