Oh, I agree wholeheartedly, but it's when one side gets all uppity about the perceived advantages of one system over another and uses arguments that on the surface seem reasonable, but aren't, that I like to take issue.

Of course, my solution at one stage was to ditch the gearing system entirely and go fixed. It worked like a charm. It's not for everyone, but then obviously STIs, bar-ends or downtubes aren't, either.

I've also ridden with downtube shifters on a go-fast bike (my first) and I liked them a lot, too.