Regarding handlebars, it might interest you to know that most cyclists (at least recreational ones) spend the majority of their time on the "hoods", and the "tops" secondary with the "drops" reserved for descending and flats speed efforts.
Regarding seats, minimalist road seats reduce chafing and soreness on very long rides and are sometimes even designed to accommodate a more aggressive position. If you're not riding 100 miles at a time, you may in fact be more comfortable on a wider and/or cushier seat.
Finally, many people buy road bikes to emulate what they see on TV. Even if they don't use the drops at all and only ride short distances, they want the Tour de France style bike. Others want to ride fast and make the bike lighter, too, even if it means using a less comfortable position.
As mentioned above, there are "flat bar" road bikes, and if that's what makes you happy then go for it. Also don't be afraid to have a drop bar higher than your saddle. The rules of elitist snobs only apply if you want them to.
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle