gerv, I initially set the brake lever position with a straight edge and adjust from there. I like my drops level, or nearly so, and I ride on the hoods quite a bit so generally my brake lever's final position is slightly higher than the initial position to obtain a comfortable hood position.

The only handle bars I was able to leave the brake levers in the traditional position while keeping the drops where I like them were a set of Cinelli 64s. Next easiest are the handle bars that are roughly equal in reach and drop and hardest are some ergo shaped handle bars. I try to have the bars set up before taping using test rides in the neighborhood and comparing with a proven well fit bike, but recently had to untape and adjust my touring bike.

Bottom line is don't worry about the traditional aesthetics, make it comfortable.

Brad