The main topic of this discussion is saddle setback, rather than the total pro-fit, that includes a radical drop and reach. The pros know that you need ample setback to tolerate a large drop (to be aerodynamic) and it may result in more efficient use of the leg muscles, as well.

One of my main points is that one initial fitting error (a too-forward saddle) results in the need for more errors that attempt to correct the first mistake - a short stem and little saddle to bar drop. If recreational riders get started with adequate setback, they won't have the other problems that follow.

My personal approach is to use no more reach than it takes for me to avoid knee to arm interference when I'm pedaling in an aggressive descending position. Since I have a very short torso, there's a fine balance between achieving knee to arm clearance and having too much reach when riding with my hands on the brake hoods. Those with longer torsos (the majority) don't have as great a problem, since their shoulders are further forward.

The amount of drop that I choose is quite arbitrary. I used 9cm for many years, then increased it to 11cm, just two years ago (at age 55). I could be comfortable over a large range of drops. I even tried 12cm once, but it just wasn't comfortable when descending mountains. Craning my neck for 20-30 minutes at a time wasn't tolerable. The 11cm drop I can tolerate. I could use 5-7cm too. It's not like there's some magic amount that only a fit guru can figure out.