I'm one of the weirdos who uses the drops pretty much exclusively. From a physics standpoint, I've never understood the combination of 90% hood riding with the STI shifters, because the best mechanical advantage is gained when using the things in the drops. This may not be a big deal for some, but I hate riding on the hoods as a result. This is made worse because I have small hands, but I also hate feeling like I'm using two inches of lever and a couple of fingers to brake.

Shimano needs to design a shifting/braking system for people who want to ride on the hoods (which is most people) and is actually optimized for that. Right now, between Shimano and the bike manufacturers, they're selling bikes set up for racing to a public that is, generally, not racing. It's no wonder that people don't feel comfortable commuting on a new bike set up as it was sold.

I second the recommendation for a higher stem.