The flat bar hybrids I rode for 12 years were comfortable enough but not truly comfy, judging by the Girvin Flex Stem I used on the Cannondale and the CF bars with Ergon grips I put on the Novara Big Buzz. Still not truly comfy.
Current bikes are all recumbents and are all truly comfortable. My short wheelbase commuter 'bent with 20"/26" wheels is very comfy, the long wheelbase with 26"/26" wheels is even comfier and our 'bent tandem is Comfy for Two. Our tandem mileage and pleasure has increased greatly since replacing our KHS tandem.
Comfort is indeed important.