OP,

desertdork and Paul Barnard both make good points; I would agree that if cost is a significant factor, stay with the drop-end thingies, but with cut-down bars. Maybe that will work for you.

However, I otherwise stand by my original post, fwiw. Sounds to me, from what you've said, that a properly-fitted drop-bar road bike (of some kind -- there are many sub-types around these days) would best suit your needs. I agree that you "can" convert your FX, but I still maintain that it will never be quite "right" considered in relation to a purpose-designed drop bar bike. You really should try a few out (properly fitted to you), before considering any "conversion" beyond what you've done. To me it just makes sense to cut your losses and make a switch now that (from the sounds of it) you will eventually make anyway.

(BTW, I'm not pushing any particular type of bicycle; as it happens, I ride a 'flat-bar road bike'.)