I've never tried bar ends but I'm always amazed when people say it is easier than shifting STIs... how is that possible? I understand if it's more reliable and cheaper but easier to shift when you have to reach? I don't get it.
I guess it depends on what they mean by "easier". STIs take some getting used to. Using the brake lever for both shifting and braking was not a great idea in my opinion though you do get used to it. It's worth mentioning that Shimano is the only brifter that does this as far as I know. SRAM, Microshift, and Campy road shifters don't work that way.
I could also see where moving from the small chainring to the large might be easier with bar-ends than with a lower quality brifter. Moving that lever inward to complete the shift can take a little oomph. You get better leverage and a larger range of motion with a bar end.