The problem most people have with clipless is the have them set too tight

Clipless pedals are not ski bindings, your foot should pop right out with a little twist (SPD)

It takes a little getting used to at first, and everybody crashes a couple times but it will quickly become second nature to pop out of them.

Quite frankly I would rather ride a stiffie with clipless than the best FS MTB with flats. I ride mainly Galbraith Mountain single track. I don't do many big drops or jumps but have no problem ridng a skinny clipped in.