I don`t think I`d ever get used to "driving" with underseat steering, but I once stoked a tandem with my hands in that position. Very comfy, indeed. And nice of the captain to block all the wind for me, too

Maybe due to very upright seating position and closed hip angle, but I don`t find a whole lot of disadvantage climbing on my `bent compared to on DFs, nor a lot of advantage into the wind or on flats and downhills. All my single bikes are about the weight too, so maybe just not being heavier is also part of the equation. Best benefit for me and on my bent is the easy forward view.

Don`t recall ever seeing a recumbent through the window of my car.