The WSD type bikes (most manufacturers make them) accomodate women's builds (IIRC shorter legs & longer torso) so definitely worth it in your case, at 5' 2" you are going to be on a pretty small frame and the little geometry tweaks do help. That being said, ride both WSD and standard bikes in your size and see what you think.

If you get an entry level bike 1150 is a reasonable number to get out the door with. Try and swing a package, bike, shoes, pedals, patch kit and inflater, tube, bottles & cages, a pair of shorts & and a jersey for 1150 out the door, you should be able to swing that with a reasonable shop. you will get entry level on all of the stuff, but even entry level is still solid for years of use. I wouldn't bother with platform pedals, clipless aren't that difficult to learn, it is mostly a habit thing (turn foot out before stopping). Also have them teach you how to change a tube with the contents of your repair kit, you will flat out on the road, and it is better to learn how to deal with it before you are sitting on the curb staring at the problem