Spent a few minutes with the bike in setting on fhe trainer at the dealer in 1999. Then, fell 2 x's in the next month or two, never in front of anyone. I guess it came sort of naturally to me as I have had no problems since. I always release my left foot, keeping the right foot clipped in unless I plan on getting off. I unclip one foot a lot defensively - around kids, gravel and the like. YMMV

The thing about kickstands is that you think your bike is secure with the kickstand, and, whoosh, a big wind (or whatever) blows it over or it loses its balance in gravel. Without a kick stand you are more careful where you put it or you lay it flat, and it does not fall over. I would lose the kickstand.