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@Smallfurry
As mitre_tester says they are pretty common on touring bikes. I read somewhere that this is due to parts being easier to get hold of (as compared to combined shifter/brake calipers), if something brakes when you're out travelling (they are the same as down tube shifters only mounted differently). They are a pretty simple design too, so they are pretty robust.
Another reason (why I have them on the utility bike) is to combine a mountain bike drive chain with drop bars (also a popular combination for touring). The only snag is the need for reasonably expensive Dura-ace TT shifters (I did'nt find any other compatible triple + 9-speed shifters at least) to run a 9-speed MTB drive chain. One thing I love about them is the fact that they do not reset their position after shifting. So you can tell what gears you are using, by feel.