Cyclocross - Clipless pedal recommendations

Hi - as you can see, I'm a newbie! I just bought a Fuji Cross Comp, which I will ride on mostly paved paths, but also some hard pack rail trail and occasional gravel. Performance has a good sale and I selected the Ritchey Peleton Pro (which I learned today is being discontinued and replaced by the WCS). I did not go the mountain bike pedal route (SPD?) because the load is more concentrated and can create "hot spots" I tried to read user reviews but learned that there are as many opinions as spokes on a wheel! I learned that weight, float and stack height are important. Does anyone have experience with these pedals, and what are the other favorites. I want to buy a quality pedal right upfront. FYI, I paid about $69 for the Peleton Pros.

Thanks!

The load is more concentrated and can create hot spots, but only if you ride a great deal and with a bit of intensity. That said, I use Crank Brothers pedals, average about 100 miles a week, and have none of those problems. Further, I prefer mountain bike shoes because I can actually walk in them.

The only way I feel I could justify going with a road shoe is if I were a dedicated roadie. And I'm not.

Speedplay frogs.

Real easy in/out. Nice non-center 20 degree of float. Can walk about in em easy with mtb shoes. lightish for the basic crome-maloy one but you can get stainless steel or titanium if you want to go lighter. Supposed to be able to shed mud well too

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=401343

Ritchey Pro V4 Mtn pedals...use 'em on my mtn and cross bikes.