...thats if you happen to crash in just the right way to clip-out. I know I've fallen over and not clipped-out and ended up tangled up just as if I were in clips/straps.

people use foot retention because they like the way it feels...and they think it significantly improves their cycling. whether or not this improvement is real or imagined is up for debate.

I personally have gone "free" and am enjoying nice platforms. maybe im slower (I dont think I am), but I certainly enjoy the ride more and enjoy the simplicity of wearing whatever shoes/boots/flip-flops I want...just like I did when I was a kid.