To me, there are 2 things to know and remember about clipless pedals:
- Anticipate - the better you anticipate possible responses to what you see in front of you, you improve your chances of unclipping before anything happens. MUCH better to unclip and not need it than to not unclip and be surprised.
- Consistency - decide which foot you will always unclip and stick to it. That moment of indecision when you're deciding what to do often means the difference between being upright and falling.
After riding Ritchey SPD clones, I've ridden Crank Brothers Quattros (now discontinued) and now BeBops. Both support heel in or out (I have to do heel in due to arthritic ankles) and they are non-adjustable. The unclipping resistance is consistent and easy and there's nothing to mess with.