A few years ago I would have said drop bars were a waste for me, as I came out of the mtb era and mostly rode converted flat bar bikes with bar ends.
In the last few years I have increased my ride distances quite a bit 200K + and needed alternative hand positions. I use aeros and drops but would only spend a short time in each, mainly for numbness relief and mostly rode the hoods.
Then I lost some more belly fat and began spending more time in the drops. Now I ride there most of the time comfortably so for me the drops are a good and well used option. Five years ago I would have said not. A big difference was losing the belly so I could pedal and breath easier.