Seeing I coined the phrase marketing gimmick, perhaps I should qualify.

In reading up on the advantages of clipless, I learned that outside sprinting and (perhaps) climbing the efficiency gains are minimal at best (and probably confined to very good riders), since no-one actually pulls on the upstroke (and if they do, they tire very quickly). Yet, I see many bike shops recommending clipless because they allow you to use the upstroke and are therefore more efficient. That, I think is a marketing gimmick, and it appears to be swallowed by many people citing performance gains of anywhere between 10 and 30%.

If you think they feel better, then by all means do what works for you. Personally, my feeling is that if the benefits in terms of efficiency are so minimal, I'm not going to spend $100 to $150 just to try them. I also have misgivings about strapping in completely when you see so many posts here and on other forums where people complain about hot spots and other types of discomfort related to being strapped in. Once again, if they feel good for you, good, but I'm a little surprised that for many people an expensive and potentially injury inducing pedal setup appears to be the norm. I will repeat that I've never ridden clipless, but in light of the above, and the fact that I can be in the saddle for upto 5 or 6 hours in one day, I much prefer the flexibility that my toe cups allow. I never get sore or numb feet, and I can use whatever foot wear I like. Works for me...