I rode with my sneakers in clips/cages for a long time, then tried riding flats and have not turned back. My flats have what are commonly known as "pins" on the surface that help keep my feet from sliding when the pedals are wet.

Switching to platforms was just one part of an ongoing effort I've made to keep cycling easy and less stressful. With platforms, you just get on and ride. At a traffic light, you just put your feet up and start pedaling, never worrying which stop is going to be the one where you lose your footing and plant your face on the pavement in front of all your fellow commuters. And when you get off the bike, you don't hobble around like you've got a load in your shorts.

For some, especially those who have longer, more challenging commutes than mine, I'd say clips and clipless can be very helpful, if not necessary.