i agree that clipless pedals are not for everyone, but it's also loony to propose that clipless pedals have no use at all to any commuter. pedal/shoe choices are EXTREMELY personal decisions based on circumstances and good old fashioned personal preference. what works for you may not work for someone else, and vice-versa. i would never suggest that everyone should commute with clipless pedals, nor would i suggest that no one should either.

i ride 28 miles/day on my commuting runs through chicago and i would NEVER want to ride that kind of distance without a physical attachment to the pedal (hell i wouldn't even want to ride a block or two without foot retention), but that's because i LOVE being attached to the bike. it makes me feel much more safe, secure, and in control of the bike to be physically attached to the pedals. it doesn't matter if i'm commuting, running errands, visiting friends, or heading out on a century, i'm simply happier on a bike when i'm attached to it. my hunch is that i'm not the only person in the world like this.