https://www.bikejames.com/strength/w...-stroke-power/

https://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/ar...-pedals-45868/

https://roadcyclinguk.com/how-to/bik...-the-upstroke/

those articles are the first ones i saw in three seconds of googling. i've read it on multiple sources, and i believe it to be true; pulling up is nonsense, and pedal stroke is paramount. the only real benefit i see is if you don't want to worry about your foot slipping off. i understand that some people might think that platform pedals are bad in this respect, but you probably aren't riding on nice ones. try good BMX pedals or downhill/freeride platforms, and your foot will never come off (assuming your stroke is good). I'm partial to the Odyssey twisted PC because they're cheap, colorful, and stick to all of my shoes. best of all, they allow you to move your foot around when you get a hot spot.