Please consider this statement: Cycling accessories, such as foot retention systems, signal membership to a certain group of cyclists, and people chose them / avoid them more for this reason than for reasons of pragmatism.
I agree this is sometimes the case but not always. It took a lot to get my wife to try clips and straps. She was quite happy with platforms but she let me install a set for one ride. She could not beleive the difference.
Then, a few months later, I found a new pair of Shimano cycling shoes in her size at a thrift store for $2 and convinced her to try clipless (it was not easy and took a lot of convincing). After a cuple of rides, she was sold. This is someone who really wanted to hate them but saw the benefit.
Her average speed increased as well as her riding enjoyment. She thought she would feel "trapped" but instead felt secure. They aren't for everyone but some people use them for their function not for their form.