Once you get used to the motion of stepping into Speedplay pedals, clipping in is quite easy. Just center the cleat roughly over the pedal and press down. The ramps will guide your cleat in. Stepping out of Light Actions is easy, too. The pedal has indentations that align with ramps on the cleat. The motion of twisting these out of alignment practically throws the foot off the pedal.

If there is any disadvantage, though, it's the amount of rotation needed to disengage. Also, riding with 15 degrees of non-centering float takes getting used to.

Regarding chromoly vs. stainless, go with your budget. It's just a few grams.