A higher stem would get you closer to a more upright posture, yeah.
I liked the entry level road bikes over the Novara Randonee, personally. They were more engaging, and seemed faster for the same effort. My thoughts on the Randonee were 'It would make a fine tool, but a poor mistress'. But I'm looking at a fun/fast commuter primarily, and for some combination of fast/fun/long fitness rides secondly. Admittedly, I'm looking to spend most of the time in the drops, because my commute is against the prevailing winds during the sunny part of the year, and I want a more aero position.
I was a little off, fit-wise on the Randonee however. You'd probably fit a bit better than me, I'm 6'3" and it's a touch too small.