I didn't read through all the arguing, but here are my thoughts.

I keep seeing people say stuff like "clipless for speed" "clipless won't really make you faster", etc. .. to that, I say that I prefer clipless (spd-sl) for climbing during my long uphill commute home. Being able to pull up while going up hills makes those hills easier. I also have a good connection to the pedals when it's raining and don't have to worry about my wet soles slipping around. Toe clips work ok in that case too, but still felt a little slippery.

I commute on my fixed gear mostly and being clipped in gives me a lot more speed and stopping control than regular toe-clips ever did. I keep a pair of shoes under my desk at work so no issues with changing shoes. If I do stop somewhere on the way home and need to walk around any stores or anything, it's really not hard at all, I don't understand why people have problems honestly. Sure i'm not going to walk for miles, but a little walking isn't difficult.