Y'know, I started clipless with Look deltas, and I think they're easier to get into and out of than SPDs. Maybe it's because I have the SPD cleats slid all the way to the outside. The Looks always release when I need them to, and are rock solid when sprinting. (Unless you're using cleats that are missing pieces, but that's another story.) Of course, the SPDs have always released, too, but I've had a few scares with the Wellgo clones on one of my bikes.

It's nice to be able to walk normally. That's why I have three bikes with SPD, and one with Look.

(I must admit that the only time I've fallen over because of clipless pedals was with the Looks, in the garage, into a large cardboard box. My wife laughed pretty hard.)

p.s. The left pedal unscrews clockwise, right? (Is that right?) Sometimes pedals are a bear to get off.