My only negative w/ platforms is they tend to shred my shins every other ride
This.
I was riding XT/SPD but began having problems on slow falls (like getting really hurt.) I tried that "campus" pedal with spd on one side, but the right cleat stuck bad. Now I am using a platform but as mentioned I get lots of red dots on my shins. I did like the ride quality using the spd's, climbing felt better, but I am nervous about the technical sections.