Well I agree that brakes on drops do not offer the best leverage for good quick braking... unless you happen to be in tuck position. But if you are riding on the hoods... your hands just don't squeeze that well like that.
For commuting in traffic, I prefer flat bars... for the increased visibility that a heads up position gives me, AND for the leverage I get on my brake handles... should I need to apply those babies in a hurry.
For longer rides, I still prefer drop bars for comfort. (I also like DT shifters... how's that for an anomoly)
But I see the points that the OP is making, with regard to strong braking and different handle bar positions. Remember Campy used to say that brakes on bikes were just for slowing and who needed them anyway. (greatly paraphrased)