Nothing is so great about them, just like everything else. They have their advantages and disadvantages. I love mine. I will, however, not try to tell people that they are the only way to go. I still use platforms on my utility bike, and I feel fine with them there because my pace isn't very high.

Honestly, they do have better power transfer, but if you are able to notice it on your commute, you're probably pushing the pace a bit harder than is common.

I also love them because I feel safer in them. When I rode platforms exclusively I used to have problems with my shoes slipping when my cadence was high. It was pretty scary to me at least. I suppose toe clips would have been another way to go, but I was afraid they'd be too hard to get out of.

If you get a chance to try them without too much investment, take it. They might work for you.