Its not unusual for the older generation to b**ch and moan about every new trend. BMX, rollerskates, skateboards, fixed gear, the switch from tubulars to tubes+tires, tube gear lever shifters to brake shifters...etc, etc. Your comments are just another example of how humans are naturally resistant to anything different from what they're doing. Shorter bars means an easier bar spin (smaller diameter, smaller circumference of the spin). The fact that it affects your speed is besides the point. If you're sawing off your bars you aren't doing it to improve speed, you're doing it to improve your tricks. Also, it does not affect your track stands, whatever anyone says.