I think the 'level' fitting came from the gentle(flat) trekking use. I use them in Grand Canyon (as do a lot of others); and I quickly figured out that adjusting them was A LOT MORE comfortable; and smarter than moving hands up and down the shafts.
When going down, they are adjusted to just below waist. So when I step down,the poles act as extensions of my arms; and my skeleton supports the transition of weight; and not my knees.
When I return to the rim, I shorten the poles 4-5 inches; so when I step up; the skeleton transfers the weight, not the quads,thighs and calves.
On the step up/downs that are 6-12 high/low; My palms are on top of the handle; easing the weight transition through the skeleton. The shoulders get a work out, and there is a technique that is quickly learned to do the weight transfer in a fluid motion. My legs thank me, and I hope to have my original knees, without braces; at 80.
Another bonus is the constant 3-4 points of contact; which when carrying a big back over uneven terrain, snow or scree- is alot more comforting.
