I rode in the 70's and early 80's in cleated shoes with toe clips, so became accustomed to having to unclip when stopping (although the process back then was to lean down, punch the cinch mechanism on the strap to loosen it, then pull the foot out - typically timed with the pedal cycle.).
I bought my first set of clipless pedals in 1986 - the grey Mavics - and had one parking lot "learning experience" - twist rather than "up and out". Got it.
The only clipless horror story I can share is related to mountain biking, namely premature release (don't even start
) while in mid-air after bunny hopping, etc for a jump or obstacle. Anxiety inducing, to say the least.