Why is it that countless racers shifted gears while climbing, racing in a criterium, or whatever other difficult circumstance one can think of, and you can't? I personally believe that it is an acquired skill to anticipate or do whatever it takes to get in the right gear at the right time.

OK, that left aside, the combination of pre-2001 9-speed Campy Ergo brifters works perfect with 7 speed freewheels. It's the 5 mm cog spacing that counts. You need a pre-2001 Campy rear derailleur to work with the brifters. IMO the brifters look good too, on a retro bike. Get a used pair of Record or Chorus brifters, they are very strong.