Personal preference is much more important than upfront cost, especially when the difference is rather small. On a build out, you want your choices in components to match your riding needs as much as possible.
I've done both and much prefer non indexed barends. Mine are at the tips of cow horn bars, thus very convenient. Not so much with drops and down tubes, but folks manage.
Last edited by Cyclebum; 10-17-12 at 05:35 PM.