A mix of Shimano M540 and XT pedals here.

I've had some variations on "platform clipless" in the past, and IMO, they don't really offer much. There isn't much stability on the platforms if you aren't really clipped in. Any time on them around town in regular shoes always had me wishing I'd either worn actual riding shoes, or that I was on my townie with flat pedals anyhow. The flat-cliples pedals offer a chance to not be fully commited to a move, with one of your feet not well connected to the bike. Trying to do something half-assedly clipped in, IMO, usually ends painfully. Suck as the times when you accidentally clip out when you would least want it to happen.

It's all in what ou get comfortable with and used to. Flats or clipless, there is a learning curve that will probably result in some bruises, cuts, scrapes either way.

YMMV.

Flats vs. clipless is a whole 'nother "argument" that has been done to death. Try 'em both if interested, stick with what you feels works for you. I ride all sorts of ugly terrain, with jumps, drops, log rides, skinnies, rock spines, tight twisty slow speed tech and trialsy stuff - all in clipless. I know plenty of my fellow local riders are doing the same. I also know plenty who do the same on flats. *shrug*