I ride the bars a lot. For me, there are no "rules" or things to frown about. Whatever works for you and makes one enjoy bicycling - that's my opinion. But, I am a crusty, "I don't give a hoot about what others think," kind of person. YMMV.

I also have "inline" brake levers - a la cyclocross - and had them added to both my road bikes. I love them, and they are great on MUPS and the like.