This reads like an old 'joke' about peoples' slow movement toward recumbent-dom:

1. cello bar tape is fine
2. padded/cork bar tape feels better
3. discovers foam handlebar covers
4. pipe insulation - the fat foam kind, with padded tape over the top.
5. foam handlebar covers, with pipe insulation over the top of it.
6. Just get a recumbent. Problem solved!

I'm waiting for someone to chime in that if you get a $400 bike fitting, it'll fix your problem. Maybe it will.