Thanks everyone so much for responding. Couldn't get back sooner because I was in the middle of a family crisis, and we have to think about our priorities. I think my biggest fear about biting the bullet is that I have already spent a good deal of money trying to make something work that just wasn't going to. The RE definitely comes closer, but I want to get it right this time because I can't afford not to. Too much added to raised shoes worries me, though I tend to ride with thick soled shoes or boots anyways. My trial with the expensive super low narrow seat was that it was useless for people who are truly inseam challenged. If they need an inch maybe, but the claim that you gain three inches is bosch, because of where it sits you. Your legs will be crushed against the battery and storage containers and poke them out, gaining very little. Lower the stock seat one inch and your legs are fine. So a wider solo seat like the 28 inch one might be the solution by not being quite as low, combined with the lowered shocks. Again, 28 inches on flat seat that gets me down to 26.5 inches with lowered shocks should get me right where I need to be. Has anyone tried putting a solo seat right on the frame of a C5?
Thanks again.