i'm thinking i like the less cool $10 bars....
Well, they'd at least be within the guidelines of the contest!
The real issue, in my opinion, is that handlebar shapes have changed more over the years than any other component. The Raleigh Sports of the early 30's has a slack seat tube and a short stem, but the rider's position is not really that different from on a modern bike since the saddle is mounted in front of the seat post (which makes up for the slack seat tube angle) and the bar has a lot of reach (which makes up for the short stem). So on the Raleigh, even though the stem is really short, the grips are well ahead of the steerer:
, while on the one you posted, the grips are behind the steerer despite the long stem:
I'm not saying one is better or worse, but they are very different bars and suited for different styles of riding.