I am also making the transition to Speedplays- and they can be a total PITA at times. At first I wasn't able to clip in at all, and I felt like a complete moron when I couldn't start a ride because I couldn't clip in.

I sat on the trainer and clipped in and out more than 100 times on each side, which loosened up the springs a bit. I also took apart the cleats (making sure the shim and plate were totally flat), lubed them with a PTFE lubricant, and also made sure they're always clean. I still had difficulty clipping in with them.

There's a certain technique to clip into Speedplays, it can be a bit awkward if you came from pedals like Look or Time. You really have to get them down to the 6 o'clock position, wiggle your foot while stamping down in a straight motion to even have a chance to clip in your first foot. You should get your first foot centered at about the 3 o'clock position, and that downward movement to the 6 o'clock position gives you a bit of leverage to clip in. The second foot is cake once you've started moving.

The key is to put your weight down the first foot while clipping in. I'm still having problems clipping in my first foot, but you just need to be patient. I've worn down the springs a bit, so it seems a bit easier so far, but still not as easy as the Look pedals I had.