I'm sorry if anyone hates flat bars, but I'm not sure the OP was eliciting people's emotional response to various bar types. He appeared to be looking for a practical solution to a common quandary.
Eh, I don't think anyone's doubting your love of flat bars, or that you have an equal love of drops (in a different situation).
The idea that drops = head down, aero tuck is a pervasive one though, and it's worth pointing out that it's set up, rather than an innate quality of the bar shape that gives that when the point comes up, especially when expressed to new folk.
My bars are about as wide as my shoulders (I think my "quick" bike's drops are slightly narrower). The Carradice I use on the commuter may be wider, tbh, so I've not noticed the drops restricting me in traffic.
Which isn't to say that drops are better than flat bars, or risers, or, if we're being scrupulously fair, bullhorns, trekking bars, H bars, or whatever. Just that the op shouldn't be under the illusion that they mean they're locked into a "racing" riding position.
Now, I'm off to look at the Nitto Noodles on hubjub again...
