As is I said, it’s an averages game, The hoods are a little higher than the older neutral position (about 1 cm), but I spend a LOT less time on them. So whilst having the drops out front and really low was THE most aero position on the TCR, I was never using it (well, maybe for descending and the odd hard pull on the front).
Now, the bars are a little closer and a little higher and, the drops are less aero than they were, but more aero than the old hoods, so… I’m more efficient overall (about 5-7%) – and with my performance, I need it!
Last point – on the nowhere to go, moving hands up to the bend is where I go for descending and more control. I lowered the shifters slightly on the bends, a la Sean Kelly, so I can still change gear and brake on the drops (which are not parallel to the ground). That’s not clear in the picture.
Try it, you never know. I did and found I liked it. 😉