hello,
are there any pan/tilt systems where the base doesn't have the
Panning servo sticking out at the bottom?

I want to lay the complete setup on a flat surface.....

can anyone give me links or chime in ....
ie....http://globe-flight.com/EasyStar-Canopy-GFK.

the servo isn't below the base.....
I like to buy this one but, I prefer a USA vendor.....

Same here. I've been looking for the same pan and tilt type, for my twinstar, from global flight but from a US distributor.

Build your own http://rcspotlight.com/guides/easypad-build/

I built a reversed variant of pan mechanism, for the same reason as you.
Not handy to make pictures, but I'll try to explain.
I am using a 4 arms cross servo arm, mounted on the canopy base, and camera mount was built around the servo case. So, the arm is fixed and the servo is the one who moves. The tilt servo was glued to the pan servo, and tilt done using a rod.
Something close can be found here:
http://fpvhobby.com/36-pan-tilt-modelh.html
but mine is smaller, no trasnmitter mount, tilt servo is glued to pan servo.