On SPD-SL wearing out quickly: when I was referring to "everybody", it was in reference to user reports on several on-line bicycle component review sites. The most common "disadvantage" mentioned by most posters is that the cleats wore out too quickly. Obviously, I was only reading peoples complaints and not a valid cross-section of users. Generally, people complain and if they are happy with a product, they are less likely to post their review than someone who is disappointed in a product. Guess I'll see for myself as that is the cleat system I'm currently using. I'm thinking the degree of wear is directly related to how much someone walks in their shoes. Those who only take a few steps before clipping in will have lot longer wear than someone who, for whatever reason, walks a lot more in the cleats.