Liked
Bar end shifters. I've now got them on drop bars (raised up nice and high) and on Albatross bars.
Commuting in the dark. Haven't done it really since college (a long time ago). I like early morning best, watchin the sun come up, but even riding home at night is nice.
Tried
Half toe clips. Nope, didn't do it for me. I rode with full clips and straps for years, but ditched them a few years ago to ride unhooked. I don't think I'm going back.