I've gone from plain platform pedals to type clips and straps to cooked pedals over the three years I've been bike commuting and riding more seriously. My least favorite setup by far was the plain platforms. I used you're clips and straps for a couple of years, and they were far superior. I finally got some Shimano M520s and a pair of sneaker-like SPD shoes over the holidays. I wad very careful at first as I was afraid of the dreaded clipless newbie fall. I managed to avoid the fall, and I can now say I strongly prefer the clipless pedals to anything I've ever used. My commute is 7 to 7.5 miles each way, most of which is on an MUP. To the OP, I'd say clipless is the way to go eventually, even if you just get a cheap pair of platforms for now. with the length of commute in question here, you'd be doing yourself a big favor by getting clipless, or at least toe clips and straps.