I don't ride the hoods exclusively either. But, if you ride the hoods 5% of the time, then you ride the hoods. Of course it's up to the rider to ride how they want, but I don't think it's debatable that the hood shape is designed for your hand. In fact there are two nice hand positions on the hoods. Guys who ride the latest generation of Ergos with those classic, Cinelli bends must have small hands. There's not enough real estate for my paws in the photo of that Raleigh.