Using clipless for about six weeks now. I've fallen twice (both during the same ride, if you can believe it), with nothing worse than a skinned knee and bruised pride. I have "campus" pedals (SPD on one side, platform on the other) because I also use my bike for errands and a very short commute (4 miles with lots of stopping), and it isn't worth clipping in for those occasions.

My shoes are Cannondale Roam. Easy to walk in and look like sneakers. Total cost for pedals and shoes was around $100.

I say go for it. My average speed has improved. And I can't tell you how nice it is not to have my feet slip off the pedals when spinning fast.