What could be the best option for a full manual not-DSLR camera?
Yes, trying to avoid bulkiness of DSLRs but retaining the full manual control and the best lens possible… A nice Zoom will help also but is not a must, since most of my subjects stand between 9-30 ft. I've heard a lot about the Nikon P7000 and the Canon G12, but I'm not sure if these cameras would fall short for a 30 ft subject.
There are not too many fully adjustable cameras that are small.
There's a new size camera that might do what you want, but there are really NO P&S cameras that are fully adjustable, NONE with interchangeable lenses.
Both of the cameras you mentioned are the ones I would suggest. You can take magazine quality pictures with those cameras.
Pentax Q, Pentax K-01, Sony NEX.
For a nice manual 4x barrel zoom in a compact digital camera there's only one answer. Check out the Fujifilm X10:
http://fujifilm-x100.com/fujifilm-x10-best-all-in-one-compact-digital-camera-with-zoom/
The Fuji X10 features 4x Optical Zoom (28-112mm) and Bright Lens (F2.0-F2.8) and Full Manual Controls in a robust, magnesium alloy, rangefinderesque body.