Me too, the MTB plastic ones are easier to get in and out of. I never cinched the straps down too tight so no, I don't get the true benefit of being able to pull up on the up stroke but I do find it's nice to be able to keep your foot consistently positioned over the pedal axle without sliding around. I used to think it was great that I then needed only one pair of shoes on tour but after riding in enough rain, I found I liked to have a different dry pair of shoes for camp so going to spd's made sense.