What's the matter with barcons? I've been using them for years, and swapped on an old pair to replace the "brifters" (man, that's a stupid word) on my main bike. if you don' t like them, you don't like them, but I'm never giving mine up.
Also, old-style MB thumbshifters aren't bad with drops. I have a pair on an old beater Trek (fenders, cross tires) that I ride in winter. Took a few rides to find a good position, but they're fine.