"and it takes absolute stillness while far back on the seat to use no hands" <-- u are still tiny to the front. Many people have the problem because the center is moved to the wrong place.

Happy the little things are working out, the pedaling changes a lot with the right shoes, the problem with cages is that u cant find cleats for them in the stores, even in ebay are hard to find. Back in the day Diadora had a pair of shoes that were for touring that did not need cleats, the shoe was stiff for riding and enough flexible to walk if necessary, it had grooves under too to accommodate regular pedals and cages. Have not seeing something like that in ages.

If you are short of cash sure u can find used shoes or shoes that people is not using because are too small at CL. U will need cleats for caged pedals or new pedals. Once u are with the other shoes the position will change a little bit again.

Nites.