The "cool" thing about getting the stem higher than the saddle is that riding on the drops actually becomes comfortable. Except when riding into a strong wind, the real world time savings of an ultra-low riding position is of small value at speeds under 20 mph. (A minute or two savings over a one hour commute?)

For most people over age 40 (which means "most" Americans) the major factor in NOT riding bikes is that their bike is not comfortable. Most of us old folks have enough aches and pains before we get on our bikes...we don't need a way too low stem and low bar giving us even more pain. And, a pain in the rear is as likely to be caused by the stem being too low as it is by any "defect" in the saddle.

Yesterday, I was reading some of the reports on injuries and medical problems that result from saddle pressure on the crotch area. To my surprise, the medical research seemed to indicate two thing: that leaning forward on the saddle is the primary cause of genital pain and injuries to males and females, but the problems are worse for females. And, second, the cure for pain in the crotch area riding is to sit with the pelvis upright, and with your weight on your sit bones. The second surprise was that the upright pelvis position was more important for women than for men.

An easy test: spend two weeks riding with your hands positioned as high as your saddle. If you don't feel more comfortable, it is easy enough to switch back to an ultra low hand position.