More than that, I've noticed sometimes that my average pushing vector varies based on certain factors. Usually, when just starting up a steep hill but not getting out of the saddle, I'm pedaling a bit more forward than down. I've been playing with it as a way to vary the load between muscle groups, and it seems to work, but I haven't had the good weather and time off to play with it on a loaded, most-of-the-day ride lately.

For my primary pedals, I like these: https://blueskycycling.com/products/...bearing-pedals
I can feel the mechanism when riding them in thin/soft soled shoes, but at least for a few miles around town, it doesn't bother me a bit.