ML, I've used drop bars for years and sometimes augmented them with aero bars. There are many different styles, width, reach and drop dimensions making a comfortable drop bar a challenge. Stem length also factors into the fit. That said, once dialed in they're comfortable for all day long rides. As drop bars were for decades the only mainstream option in N. America I can't say they're the best design or we cyclists just adopted to them. Europeans have been using butterfly (trekking) bars on their touring rigs for quite some time and they're becoming popular here also. I could be wrong, but they seem better suited to bikes with longish top tubes (comments?).

The drop bars that work for me on my touring bike are a set of OEM (CODA) bars that weren't right on one of my roadies. They're a square dimension (equal reach and drop) handle bar.

Brad