Hank, +1 for previous posts... I've got three drop bar conversions and found it takes time to get comfortable. I'm a roadie with an addiction to gravel. My most recent build was setup per GT's recommendations with the bars about even with the saddle. After a few hundred miles of trying to get comfortable with this setup I've decided to go lower. I tend to ride on the hoods - just my style and the GT position has me too upright. Bar position (stem length and height) affects handling, efficiency and rider comfort. Note that some things are counter intuitive - on my road race bike, dropping the bars a bit helped reduce fatigue in my back as my ab's could engage and provide more support.

A longer stem will push weight farther forward changing handling, changes leverage of the steering, gives a more aero position and will flex more which slightly reduce vibration. For gravel I prefer bars with less reach and drop so the position change from the top of the bars, to the hoods and to the drops isn't as significant as on my road bikes. Again just my preference. So I would suggest planning to try different bar positions (higher, farther, nearer, different rotations) and also different brake lever positions. To make this easier on yourself, just tape a small portion of the top of the bars and get out and ride.
Hope this helps,
Greg