I would agree that it seems people "outgrow" the finess/flat bar road bike quickly. It really isn't that much trickier to get used to the drop bars. I honestly rarely use the drops and keep my hands on the hoods or top of the bar.

I actually got a road bike and went clipless at the same time which really wasn't too smart But I did get a used road bike to start which made me feel a little better when I would fall over and scratch it!