I have never had a clipless horror story. I have had some amazing flying wipeouts and my feet just come off, no problem. I have 2 bikes set up to ride w/ no retention (one 2-sided if I want to hop on w/o changing shoes, maybe toe-clips would be better but they do frustrate me, the other pure wide flat for winter boots), and I only ever miss the clipless function, I never ever regret having it when I do.