wow samb thats a lot of statements you makin. Some MIGHT be right some might be gospel.
check out the speed pro with some bar ends and a lower than usual handlebar position I think you will not miss the drop handlebar at all.... Its still very much cheaper than the friday and has some very nice features, like bulletproof light wheels for example ...
In any way its a lot of change for a bike. Best would be if you could actually try both bikes. Which I understand might be almost impossible but worth a try ...
Thorsten