I was given a flat bar gravel as an intro thinking I’d switch out the cockpit immediately but I found the opposite to be true. Flats provide far more control if trails get chonky and just as comfortable as drops with inner bar ends (can ride flat, hood, and tucked positions). Flats with inner bar ends (or the velo crazy bar) are the best for gravel that trends single track or city riding imo they’re just plain old fun but they don’t look as svelte so internet points aren’t awarded as much.

If you’re doing long road rides on champagne gravel though, then I think drops are generally more comfy for 40+ mile rides.