I was a holdout with toe clips and straps for quite a while, but now I have Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals on two bikes. I like being connected to the pedals using one of these systems, so I don't use plain platform pedals, although my toeclip pedals are just platforms with the clips screwed to them. I highly recommend Eggbeaters if you decide to go clipless. They're really quick and easy to both clip in and out, but retention is really good (i.e., they don't tend to let go of your shoe when you don't want them to). I have the cheapest model in this line ($40-ish online) and they have held up well. I think the more expensive models are just lighter, which I don't feel the need to spend extra for.

I think that even if you decide to go with platform pedals, it is definitely worth it to spend a little more (say $40) to get nicer ones. The difference is in durability. I've had a couple pairs of cheap $10 ones wear out before they should have, so the bigger initial investment pays off. No matter what you get, you still need to check for play in the bearings and roughness occasionally and service the bearings as needed.