Thanks and I agree. That's probably the best reason to use drop bars and why they are required for UCI sanctioned mass start events. Note that variants of flat bars are predominate in events such as time trial and triathlon which do not require the use of drop bars.

When I said I don't sit up as high as many roadies, I meant while holding the grips with elbows slightly bent, not while perched on the ends of my longhorn barends.

Also true and good point that I can't safely use the aero position in the city where I usually ride. That's one reason (but not the principle one) that this bike is rarely the one I commute on.

I did use the stretched out position on a group ride recently and coasted past the roadies while the had their shoulders pinned against their handlebars in the fast descending position. Hands on the flat part of their bars, I should note.

I must confess, it's likely I passed them due to a difference in rider weight more than from aerodynamics.