Funny, but I'm in the process of converting the downtube shifters on my Fuji S12-S (1981) to bar ends for the same reasons stated by IceNine (post #3). It is just too far a reach for me, and creates a distraction. Now I've never actually ridden with bar ends, so it will be a new experience. If it doesn't work for me, I'll consider stems, or go back to the downtubes.

I figure that the next bikes up in the Fuji line from mine, the S12 LTD and the America both came with bar ends, so it is period equipment correct. We wouldn't want to break any styling taboos!