I got bent in 2003 due to medical problems. Before that, I rode uprights between 6 and 8,000 miles a year since 1982 and never complained about the saddle, my hands or whatever.

Fast forward 10 years and my medical problems are gone and I've been riding an upright quite a bit even though I still ride my bents the most. What I've noticed is that in the last 10 years, upright technology has improved a lot. My latest upright is the smoothest, silkiest upright that I've ever owned, the carbon bars absorb shock quite well and the saddle has been fitted for my rear end. I find my upright to be an absolute joy to ride. Granted, it's a very high end piece of equipment.

Anyway, I still love my bents and my trike (rode it today) but I don't see uprights as the evil machine that many recumbent riders do.