Brifters were designed in order to give the rider better control while shifting, not having to take your hand and physically move it from the handlebar to reach the shift lever. Brifters allow you to shift on rougher road surfaces while maintaining control of the handlebars.

There's no 'break-in' period learning to operate brifters; you'll pick it up very quickly. Also, since the shift mechanism moves sideways, there's no way to unintentionally apply the brakes while shifting.

FWIW... brifters weren't designed so that riders could "intentionally brake and cause crashes". A pro racer or team with that sort of philosophy better think about competing in another sport entirely, like roller derby.

Brifters are so popular on bikes because it's what the guys in the TdF are using. It's not 'better'... just another way to shift.

Bottom Line? Use whatever you prefer to use, whether it be down tube, bar-end, brifter, stem, thumb, Grip Shift, RapidFire Plus, Positron, Centeron... you get the picture!

Alan