Lemme tell you youngster... back in my day all handlebars were round, shifters were friction, and freewheels had 5 cogs... and we liked it! So suck it up! 8-)

Cable grooves aren't necessary- they just allow the bump formed by the cable housing to be a little less prominent. Just cut the housing to the correct length (which is sometimes a tricky process- go longer than you think you need) and tape the housing in place with clear packing tape before you put the regular handlebar tape on top. Try out the positioning before taping, too- you should be able to put the housing where your knuckles give a little space next to the bar. It actually gives you more options in terms of bar shape than the grooved bars.