Merriweather,
I disagree that drop bars are that important. If you are using the bike for basic transportation, then you would rarely want to bend over. It puts you in a poor position for city riding. Other handlebar positions are better options--Breezer sells one other position that I looks great on their Range bikes.
Drop bars also appear to be rare in other countries where they rely on utility style bikes. I think they are better suited in a faster configuration for weekend rides--one without all the weight of the commuter's accessories that these bikes have.