I can assure you that alternate riding styles are not a myth.

I've tried both, & clipless pedals aren't as fun to me. I like to goof around on the trail, & freedom of my feet gives me both confidence & freedom to do what I want & ride how I want. I don't race & don't ride with a competitive attitude so efficiency & speed mean about as much to me as knobby tires to Lance Armstrong.

Also, I agree with everyone who has mentioned the importance of pedal/shoe combo (especially pedals) when riding flats. My flats were next to useless until I took Zephyr's advice & got myself some Kore Race II's from CRC ($25ish IIRC). Those paired with some ADIDAS skate shoes that aren't totally worn out is good enough for my purposes, but I've had my eye on some Five Tens for a while to really grip the pins.