Wow Wanderer, your advice deserved more credit! I was looking at various web sites for pedals and shoes, when my wife asked what I was looking for and then said there was a "$50 off $150 purchase coupon at Sports Experts for the next 2 days" in the flyer.

Ran over to Sports Experts: Louis Garneau Shoes for $95. No name M324 pedal copies (dual platform/SPD) $50. Had to stuff the bill a few dollars to $150, and minus coupon left at C$95 ... or US$75 for shoes and pedals! At that price I figure it is a no brainer ... the shoes are surprisingly walkable, and highly rated on Amazon (only negative reviews are that mail order size did not fit). And if the dual Platform/SPD pedals get annoying, can alway upgrade to better SPD/SPD ones with not much money lost.

Cant wait to do the mandatory 1h practice in the garage, go for a ride tomorrow, and see if I feel the incredible difference (or fall off bound in and break some bones) so many articles speak of!