When I said no professional or serious racer would use bar end shifters wasn't a slam on bar end shifters. What I was refering to was that technology has advanced and the need for faster/safer shifting & braking makes duel purpose levers a necessary part of racing competitively.

Bar end shifters (also called barcons) used with shallow drop bars requires little movement -- barely 1 inch and certainly less than 2 inch's of hand movement to operate both brake & shifter. To allow this convenience the drop part of the bar is trimmed to allow the shifter to be closer to the brakes. Most bars have extra flat section that can be easily trimmed.

I still use bar end shifters (8,9 and10 speeds) and have DT shifters on classic bikes (would not be proper to have a classic vintage bike wth modern equipment on it -- fashion patrol will dock you points). I have been blessed to own and enjoy a wide range of bikes and equipment. Bar end shifters and DT shifters still have a place on modern bikes today. Touring , casual riding and even serious recreational riders can/do enjoy bar end shifters. Modern DT shifters will be around as long as there are people that like the look of a bike from "the good old days".