Seems like I have yet to find the sweet spot, the happy medium. I was wondering if anyone here might have some insight into my situation.

1. Bars: With hoods horizontal, they feel great on the hoods, but in the drops the thumb shifter on my 9-speed circa 2004 Campagnolo Ergopower shifters is too high and awkward to get to. With hoods tilted down, being in the drops is perfect, but when I'm on the hoods my wrists feel some discomfort at the angle. Does anyone out there feel good both in the hoods and the drops? Is there a secret?

2. Saddle: Higher 1 cm, I feel I can really power into my pedalling, but the saddle feels like I'm sitting on a brick. Lower 1 cm, the saddle feels very comfortable, but there's noticeably more strain on my knees and quads. Which way should I be leaning, do you think?

I should add that I'm purely a recreational rider, but I still enjoy getting some speed happening.