I loved the thumb shifters. Once had those on a bike in yellow and black, with yellow straight h'bars too, my fave colours from when I was a kid. At school, first year infants, we played around a lot, and made stuff which was fun. Windmills were great; you got to choose two colours, and off you went.
Probably a psychological profile on us all, to separate out the potential Einsteins or Epsteins from amongst us.
I had an axe in those colours too.
But the brake and gear levers are much better on my current arrangement. I do not lean forwards any more. Better for my back and neck when encountering unseen potholes/kerbstones. My hands are ever-ready to stop the thing when needed, which has been several times so far.
I love a good upright seating position. It doesn't stop you having fun.