Originally Posted by carleton

I think you are interpreting slop in the pedal system as float.

All of the MTB pedal systems that I've used (SPD, TIME, Eggbeaters) have only one angle (or lack thereof) with no float. There was play in them. But that play was a return-to-center type of spring action. So, if you are pigeon-toed you'd have to push against that return-to-center cleat to have your feet (and ultimately your knee) where it wants to be.

By the way, I currently ride Shimano SPD-SL zero-float cleats. My feet are in the right position and are fixed. I believe that float is for people who don't know where their foot should be