Actually, I think the disagreement in this thread comes down to intended uses and priorities.

If you're not riding long distances, don't particularly care how fast you do it, and you're going to be walking a lot when you get where you're going, platform pedals could make a lot of sense for you. ( However, the dual sided "campus pedals" with walkable shoes might also be a good choice.)

But if you're riding longer distances, at higher speeds, and walking in the shoes off the bike is not a priority, then there's a very strong consensus that clipless pedals offer real advantages.

Otherwise you wouldn't see 99.5% of experienced riders at Centuries, and fast club rides using clipless pedals.