Speaking just for comfort (shock absorption, flexibility), is it worth it to make the switch?
In my opinion, no.
For me, drop and width are what I seek to define my comfort level. I prefer a 42cm wide bar with a shallow drop. The handlebar I installed on my Marinoni are perfect, width wise, but the drop is too much. When I get back to the lake cottage (after all the snow and cold are gone) I will seek out a more appropriate handlebar. Probably alloy simply because they are more plentiful in my stash...
