I like them. I have them on both my "road" bikes, but they are both cyclocross. About them being in the way, I routinely seem them mounted where I've always been told was the incorrect position. OP's is like this also. I've always been told they should be mounted nearly vertical. I changed mine to this configuration and I like them mounted this way more. As far as braking is concerned, I only use them for slow speeds. Going down a steep decent, I'm always in the drops. Much better control and braking. Never had issues with canti's either. It's all in the adjustment and quality of pads.
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Demented internet tail wagging imbicile.