Why on earth would you want to be unclipped in "rigorous terrain?" That is exactly where you get the most advantage from being clipped in. Yes, I am aware that BMX and Downhill mountain bikers do not use clips or straps, but they are doing things completely outside the realm of a cyclocross bike. They also don't use candies or anything similar, they use huge platform pedals with allen bolts and other jagged, spiky, scary stuff sticking out of them.
Get a set of pedals and go ride.
After several hundred miles you'll start to see what kind of riding you do and what you'll want to improve.
Ron