You know, for all this debate on which is supposedly better for you, I can say that I read about how great drop bars were supposed to be when looking for a bike back in 8th grade that my parents were going to buy as a graduation gift.
I got the drop bars, but found that I disliked them. I rarely used the lower bars except when ducking low-hanging branches (of which there are 2 on Wilkie Road on the way to the Bussie Woods Forest Preserve when riding on the sidewalk.). I tended to always use the upper position, but disliked how close my hands were together and found the bike did not corner well.
I replaced that bike my parents bought about 5 years ago and got straight, or at least slightly curved handlebars and I find that I like them a lot better and am more comfortable.

I feel that ultimately, that is the only thing that really matters, that I personally found the upright bars more comfortable and that I liked them better.
I believe that for casual riders, the two are about equal and whatever feels more comfortable to that person is the superior pick. The advantages for racers don't matter if you aren't doing racing, and might not outweigh the discomfort if you don't like them. Granted, some people might find the lower bar positions more comfortable.

I know they were not as uncomfortable before I outgrew the frame by an inch or two and the handlebars were higher relative to the seat as I had to have the seat at the absolutely highest position in order to use the bike. When I was smaller the drop bars were not as uncomfortable in the lower position, so that might be part of my bias. When I got the bike, it was slightly too big, when I replaced it it was slightly too small. Amazing how much I grew in just the four years of high school.