Originally Posted by
big chainring
Very odd statement. I ride on the hoods the majority of the time on 1970's Weinmann brakes. It was just as common to ride on the hoods in the 70's as it is today. Its not a new concept.
Here is the OP's Trek from 1984:
Notice you can't put the butt of your palm on the handlebar, because that part of the bar is sloping down. You are more or less resting on the web of your thumb and your carpal tunnel.
Now the same bike, with modern brifters and handlebars:
Notice the top of the handlebar and the hood of the brifter, form a continuous horizontal surface. Much more comfortable to put your whole palm on the bar now.