Originally Posted by
fueledbymetal
I used to run my handlebars slammed with only a single 5mm spacer to get the position I wanted but years of abusing my back in my youth(powerlifting, wrestling, etc) has started to catch up with me in the form of acouple bulging & torn discs in my lower back. So, I've needed to raise my riding position torelieve some lower back stress. I seemost bikes add extra spacers to keep the stem flipped down (negative rise), butas an engineer that doesn't make any sense since it adds extra weight (morespacers & steerer post) and flex (longer, less direct path from handlebarto front wheel). So don't laugh when yousee me riding stem flipped up 
Seriously though, am I missing any reasonother than style to run a stem flipped down (negative rise) if you can obtainthe same position by removing spacers?
Your spot on, IMO. Less spacers and a positive angle stem should in theory (albeit minor) be a stiffer and lighter setup for the reasons you pointed out.....aesthetics aside
As far as 'better handling', generally speaking, lower is going to better.