I've been using Holdfast on my fixed gear since last November, all through the winter and now spring. I have had zero wear on them. They get dirty, but are holding up very respectably.

My friend had a set of Power Grips that I rode around a bit and didn't like. He doesn't have them anymore because they wore out, forcing him to finally go clipless.

I use clipless on my road bike, but ran clips and straps on them for years prior to that and loved them.

All this stuff is very personal, and I respect that. My best advice is to try things out for yourself and then make a decision. Speculation can lead you down the wrong path.

I ride with flexible shoes and have no problem, but it's so true that stiff shoes can make your life much better.

I love my Feiyue WuShu shoes with their thick rubbery soles, but I can definitely tell the difference when I put on some stiff shoes. Elemental is giving good advice.

My experience just shows how personal bike bits can be. What sounds awful to one person, is awesome to another. Keep your ears open for advice, try things out for yourself, and draw your own conclusions for doing what works for you.