I'm toying with the idea of converting my Nexus IGH hybrid to drop bars - primarily for more hand positions. I like the J-tek bar-end shifter because it works with the Nexus hub and is relatively cheap; but I don't know how much of an inconvenience it would be to take my hand off the hoods and reach down to the bar-end every time I need to shift. Is this something that becomes second-nature and you don't really think of as an inconvenience after a while? I have a relatively hilly commute and find myself shifting - both rapid-fire and gradually - pretty frequently. I'd like to get the input of commuters who currently use bar-end shifters. Thanks!

P.S. I'm aware of the Versa brifter for Nexus hubs which sounds ideal, but the exorbitant price tag eliminates this as an option for me.