The really nice thing about drop bars is that no matter how old you are, as long as you have good pedaling technique and a good position, people can't tell how old you are from a distance. Good riders on drop bars all look like they're in their 20's or 30's, until you get close enough to see the grey hair.
But you lose this effect if the bars are set too high. "Too high" is level with the saddle (unless you are really short). There's a good reason why in a classic frame the head tube and seat tube end at the same height, and in the older stems with expander bolts, you could only raise the stem a short distance, well below what you could set the saddle height to. The other measurements being optimized, this gives you a comfortable position "on the tops," where you should be spending most of your time. Beginners think that you need to be in the drops most of the time, so they try to make the "down" position more comfortable by raising the bars. No, you are SUPPOSED to be somewhat uncomfortable in the drops! You're only in them for hard efforts that require a more aero position, such as pulling into the wind, or bridging a gap, or sprinting. For most recreational purposes, you should be on the tops. For climbing out of the saddle, you should be on the brake hoods.
So why get drop bars at all, if you're not going to be in the drops? I think most guys who have raced are just used to them. And you always have the option of getting into the drops when you need to make a hard effort. And you look younger from a distance. (Man, if you want to look old, just get on a hybrid, sit up, and pedal real slow!)
Having the bars set properly and staying out of the drops also sends the "experienced cyclist" message to others, especially ridng in an unfamiliar group. One good way to weed out the noobs is to avoid riding behind those who ride:
1) constantly in the drops, and
2) in the big ring/small cog most of the time.
After a while, you should be able to tell who's a good rider after just a glance at their riding position and technique.
By the same token, unless you are a track sprinter, avoid setting the bars too low!
Luis