I prefer single chainring too for simplicity. I also changed my stock 12-30 to 11-28 cassette.

For pedals, in terms of grip, MKS stream > MKS FD-7 > stock. I never folded the FD-7, and I slipped when it was raining. The solid parts between the teeth of FD7 are right under the soles, and they make it a little more slippery than the hollow non folding MKS pedals. The reason I went with dual platform spd clipless was because I bought a road bike that came with toe clips. I immediately liked it and so bought SPD clipless for both bikes. It feels more like running than pushing down. With feet clipped in, it is also not easy to out spin any normal gears, with which OP seems to have problem, and which is why I suggested clipless.

Regarding NEOS derailleurs, they are good derailleurs. But, the hanger hole in the chainstay can be easily cross threaded. Mine was cross threaded when changing the cassettes at a LBS. They didn't tell me, although the derailleur worked perfectly for months. I only noticed it when I was cleaning the chain. I used a p clam to tighten it.