In my most recent build, I wanted to try a less agressive drop bar position along with a different style (raddoneur) of drop bar. As you can see in the photo, the tops of the drop bars are slightly above the level of the seat, while the drops are about two inches below the level of the tops on my Specialized Roubaix.

I have found two things. The increased height has made the drop bars much more comfortable and versatile for me, so much so that I don't think I need my upright handle bar utility bike anymore. I will replace that with a touring bike I am building that I will replicate this cockpit on. The other thing I have found is that in addition to the slightly higher elevation of the drops, the flare introduced by the raddoneur style of drop bars has made riding in the drops much more comfortable.