Back in the day, I rode with cleats and toestraps but now I ride on platforms exclusively. It would appear that riding clipped and pulling up during pedaling doesn't necessarily confer the overall efficiency that many seem to think it does. Mechanical efficiency is increased but metabolic efficiency is reduced. If one prefers to ride clipped in, that's fine but those of us that ride on platform pedals don't necessarily need to feel like second class citizens. There are as many arguments for riding on platforms as not. Not that I really expect to change any minds. I'll never ride clipped in on my commute. I like riding in my running shoes or Tevas too much.

Effect of pedaling technique on mechanical effectiveness and efficiency in cyclists. - PubMed - NCBI
https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-