One tiny step down from your Pelikans is the Cross Ion:
I've had that thing for five years, and it's never failed me. Its small size is very convenient - I keep it in my pocket 24/7. Uses ink like an SUV uses gas, though, and refills are $5 apiece. My miraculous story is that one time I went to Office Depot and they had the refills mismarked at $0.25 apiece, so I bought out their entire inventory.
That had me covered for several years.
Can anyone recommend a similarly-sized upgrade?