I use them if my hands need a break (on straight streches) and for cutting wind resistance on downhills. That's all.
I was unwilling to use them for a while because the bike just felt shaky. I adjusted my saddle and it no longer feels quite so squirrelly. I still feel much better on the hoods or that slightly curved part on the tops. I don't keep my fingers on the brake levers when using drops, but I can still reach them if need be. I also can't shift into smaller cogs/chainrings from the drops because of the design of the Sora shifters. (Shimano, why did you think that was a good idea?) You shouldn't have that problem, though.