Yes, an upright riding position can't be beaten. On my klunker I've now got a much higher bar position and you're right, it is nice to be able to see everything in front of you. Rather than looking at the ground. My klunker is very slow so it's perfect with the upright position, I can just slowly roll through the woods and take in everything around me.Very comfortable. Grip tops are just over 2" higher than the saddle to give you a idea....that's a very good balance between hands and butt weight distribution.
The other thing that i had forgotten after years of head down riding, was how much you DONT see! Suddenly there's a far reaching world and horizon,.....and not at the cost of neck ache the next day.
I can't see it winning botm however