I have very recently made the transition from downtube shifters to brifters. Before that, it was just Shimano aero brake levers.
I have 10-speed Shimano 105 (5700) and 10-speed SRAM Rival with carbon levers. The SRAM looks the coolest out of the two and easily has the most cred. However, having used both for commuting and weekend rides, the Shimano outperforms the SRAM in almost every way. Shifting is far lighter and more accurate with the Shimano, plus you have the added advantage of being able to downshift while braking. You can't do this with SRAM and you'll be surprised how often you want to do it when approaching traffic lights. I wouldn't want to say one hood is more comfortable than the other, because they're both on different bars and this means the position is slightly different on both. For what it's worth, I find the Shimano ones on Ritchey Comp Streem bars comfortable, but the SRAM on Deda Piega uncomfortable. SRAM do a singlespeed ergo shaped lever if you don't want brifters.
Other things to make your braking life easier (which takes the load off your wrists):
-Use matching modern calipers to go with your modern levers. If you mix and match (for example) Shimano br-1050 single pivot calipers with your modern levers, you have to pull the levers really hard. With the matching calipers, it's much easier.
-Use a high quality pad like a Swisstop so you don't have to pull as hard.
-Use alloy rims. Steel and carbon rims require more squeeze.
-Avoid canti brakes. You don't have the mechanical advantage so they're hard work.
-Add Crosstop brake levers as suggested above so you have another position.
-Raise your bars.
-Double wrap your bars - you'll be surprised how much load this takes off your wrists.