I am just a fraction under 6″ and have a 33.5″ ISL.
I run a medium Mk 1 Solaris with a 65mm stem, 762 bars and a setback seat pin. I got one of the first batches (replaced it with one of the first of that green after incessant lobbying, read badgering, of Cy…)
Years ago, when I was getting a Mk 1 Soul, I went through a similar dilemma. But I’ve not regretted going for the recommended size (I’ve had five medium Cotic frames over the last 8 years).
If you read the numbers the real differences between the two frames are essentially 17mm on the ETT and 40mm on the seat tube. This means you’ll need to run a 20mm shorter stem on a large than a medium (depends on whether you like short or long stems whether this is a problem). I currently have a 350mm seatpin and this is too short, but fortunately I run a low saddle height through preference and just get away with it (you need 100mm insertion for warranty purposes) so you will NEED to run a 400mm pin if going medium.
The new frames are optimised for inline pins and I’ve not ridden one. I think it means a longer ETT length than mine.
The only drawback that I have found is that with my set up the front end on steep climbing is light. I had a very, very short shot (only ~150m on a v. steep uphill fire/forestry track) on my mates new large Soul 27.5 and found the front end more planted climbing. I’d need a more extensive go in order to come to a proper conclusion. This has been the same on all my mediums (but the Solaris suffers this the least IMHE).
In order to determine what size you’d prefer I’d say you need to work out what you enjoy most, what your intended use is and how you like a bike set up. If you are (and I exaggerate for effect) arse up head down stretched then large would probably be your thing. However the smaller frame will be more manoeuvrable (and lighter).
Unless you can get a demo on both sizes (or have an aversion to long seat pins or want a real short stem) I’d go medium. If you like a high saddle height and prefer a s-t-r-e-t-c-hed position then large might be worth considering.
Depending on the new frame colours I’m considering a new medium OFI in the summer….
Where are you based, can you get a demo/shot anywhere?