Hi there everyone!
I got to ride today and I got to look at a lot of other bikes on the trail and understand the suggested placement. By mile 30, I fully understood why. With as low and far away as the horns are on mine, there's just a ton of stress on the wrists. I ended up doing almost the entire ride on the high flats. Everything else became uncomfortable quickly.
I'm going to move them tomorrow and fix a front derailleur problem then go for another ride. I think the simple handlebar changes and raising the seat a bit is going to be all I need to maximize comfort. I think the frame is a bit small for me but I can make it work.
I'll update the thread after the next ride but just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the help you have provided. It's invaluable for someone like me, muddling through being new to road riding.