I'm old.

Started with toe clips and straps in the '70s

Switched all bikes to clipless (Shimano SPD) in the '90s

Switched all bikes to platform pedals in 2017.

I have no advice for you. All of the systems worked just fine for me. I did not like the limitations of the clipless. Sometimes I like cycling in hiking boots. Otherwise, clipless was the most efficient IMO. Now that I am 60, I care less about efficiency and more about cycling in any shoes in the closet.