Quick story that may possibly help:
I just frame swapped parts on my bike to a new True Temper Steel frame earlier this week. After work on Sunday, I still decided to do the 60 miler with a friend on my trusty LHT just because it is so much more comfortable for long rides. I knew I could sit on it all day, and that was more important than going faster up hills. We also brought a 6 pack of beer. We ended with a 15 mph average over rollers with some hills.
The only time I will ride my new road bike, similar build to the Pacer, will be on group rides at a faster pace, and that will only be a few times a year. The majority of the time I ride alone, and the LHT is much nicer for that.