I absorb road by riding properly, which means a good, flexible, moderate road bike position, on a good, steel road bike that has some inherent flexibility (a combination of frame, set, wheels, etc.), and not riding it like I'm a lump on the saddle, plus not inflating the tires rock hard (no need to do this on any bike). I'm fine with whatever works for you, but personally, I think the "I get there faster because I'm more comfortable" idea is a crock of rationalized bull. For everything you can say a 650B-equipped bike is better at, a 700c or 26 inch wheeled hybrid type bike would be even better. Just put drop bars on it if you want those. It would be a lot cheaper. Not as much status symbol value or cachet, though, and no business value for anybody either.