no, I'm talking about the preference in bends. Someone might like FSA compact, while another would like a cinelli criterium. You can only get FSA compact bars in the 31.8mm diameter clamp. It's a contact point, just like a saddle, and it's absolutely user preference on like or dislike.
+1. The availability of the FSA compact bend which allows me to have the top of the reach level and the brifter hoods a straight extension of them while still having the drops almost level is what lead me to convert to 31.8 bars across the line. "Improved stiffness" had nothing to do with it.