You must further refine your criteria...
There have been lots of good suggestions made already. Keep in mind that bikes these days are in general very well made and you can't really go wrong with whatever you eventually choose. However, as evidenced by all of the makes/models that have already been suggested, you may want to further refine your critieria in order to thin your potential herd. For example:
"Comfortable riding position" is subjective and obviously connected to your physical size. Some guys consider a Duc 998 "comfortable", so much of that is totally up to you.
You said that 600cc seems like a tiny motorcycle...did you mean strictly from a displacement standpoint (focusing on your need for decent highway cruising power), or are you concerned about the actual size of the bike? Based on the two models that you suggested in your post, maybe the issue is more about power. If this is the case, any of the bikes that have been suggested will give you at least equal (and in most cases MORE) power than you have currently and more than you will most likely use, given your comments on speed in general. You may not be a high speed ripper, but what about bombing around sub-60mph? Twin power (more linear torque) that some could argue is more useable around town, versus a more "hot blooded" inline 4 that likes you to twist it's nuts off? TOTALLY different power characteristics, so you should think about that. This may give you some opinions about what is "easier to ride".
Coming from a cruiser, do you want to have an upright riding position or are you willing to lean forward a little? Traditional handlebars or clip ons? You mentioned that your cruiser has no fuel guage. Does that mean that your new bike must have one? Very few "sport bikes" do.
Do you want brand new? If yes, $7000 may be your biggest limiting factor. Does that include tax, etc? Your budget is your budget, and that's fine. Very few of us can shoot whatever load we want on our bikes. However, if you want new and the 7K is "firm" out the door, then some of the suggestions above won't fly. Are you willing to buy used? If yes, how used? That will open many more doors.
You mentioned "sport bikes" because you wanted something more "modern" with presumably more instrumentation? Any other reasons relating to performance (besides highway cruising)? How important is bike weight? Coming from a cruiser, maybe not that much. What about handling and brakes? Although you may not want to be a speed demon, do you want to further explore the handling/leaning characteristics possible with a more sport-oriented bike? Does that give you a fix? Or is your focus more on "commuting"? Are you willing to fill up once on your 200 mile trips? Ever ride 2 up or just with gear?
So, many of the questions above will help you to determine what you REALLY are looking for. You can then focus in on your potential choices, check them out at dealerships, maybe take test rides, etc.
For what it is worth, I'm 5'8" & 225lbs with only a little chub and ride a '99 SV 650 (no fairing stock, but tossed on an aftermarket Targa 1/4 fairing, which provides a sufficient "bubble"). I have added Suburban Machinery bars, which more closely resemble the clip on placement of the faired "S" model, and have taken 2000 mile tours with the bike. A tail trunk and expandable magnetic tankbag allowed me to stuff away about six days worth of gear, so I think if you pack light, basically ANY bike will carry your camping stuff. The bike turns at just under 5000 rpm at an indicated 70mph in top cog with zero vibration. It's twin will provide sufficient stomp, but is docile enough to keep you "sane" and will commute well. Many have been know to say that the bike is "easy to ride". In terms of ergonomics, you have two choices, faired with clip ons or unfaired with tubular handlebar. Countless aftermarket accessories are available to make it whatever you want it to be. It meets your 7K budget brand new.
Although the SV may meet some of your needs, there are countless other bikes available to you, and I usually fantasize about owning at least one new model daily. Whatever you ride, there is always something that your bike doesn't have that you covet in another. So figure out what will make you the most happy and go buy it.
Hope this yammering has helped you in some way.