I have a 2009 Rat Fink, and it's the most efficient climber out of any of my cruisers. Compared to my cruisers that use "classic" geometry (including my Nexus 7 bikes), I can transfer more power to the pedals on the RF, and am always using a higher gear ratio, then on my other bikes, for the same terrain. I find the RF overall geared to low, as I rarely use 1st gear, at all (only very steep climbs. On flat ground, I'm always in 3rd and using a much slower spin then on my normal cruisers.
The key is to lean back, and pull back on the bars during hard pedal strokes while pushing your butt rearward a bit against the seat, to gain leverage. It's hard to explain, but once you "feel" what I'm talking about, you'll understand. You basically use your upper body strength to pull yourself towards the pedals. Personally, if I ever entered a cruiser race, I would definitely use my RF. Oh, and "stand up and grind" does not work well on these bikes, as it feels a bit awkward.
To get the most out of it, proper setup is key, especially seat height. I don't think everyone will find these bikes as efficient as I do, but for me, it's a powerhouse, and I can ride it farther, and get somewhere faster then on my other cruisers. I'm 6 ft tall, and weigh 175, and the "leverage" pedaling on the RF works better for me, then the more (hunched forward) riding position of typical cruisers, where my only means of leverage is body weight.
BTW, I use the stock apes on my RF (just a hair pulled back from straight up), and since I've never tried lower bars on it, I don't know if using lower bars will change my pedaling efficiency, and I have no ambition to try because I feel it can't get any better then this. Although, YMMV.
Do some research on the pro's and con's of semi-recumbent bikes, and look at the following pic to see the similar rider positions of a Ghostrider, and a popular Rans semi-recumbent, the Fusion. The Rans Fusion uses a high back seat for not only layback comfort, but to give the rider something to push against while powering the pedals.
