GR-9s, man. I have a set of MKS AR-8s (nothing special road pedals) and elder Shimano 105s and a few others that don't even get names. The others are fine pedals if you have a stiff soled shoe, but if you're going with clips so you can wear street shoes get a street shoe compatible pedal too. That's the GR-9.

There are a few online options in the $25-30 range and if you ask at your commuter-oriented LBS you might be surprised to find they stock them.

The bearings can feel a bit rough until they break in, it's all in the luck of the draw. There's some controversy over whether or not they're serviceable. Some say no, Sheldon says yes. I'm inclined to think you can pop the end caps off and take them apart and service them just like anything else.