Just in case you're not aware of their existence and you'd prefer them, or won't have an old pair of clips lying around to modify in the future: there are "half clips" that are designed to just provide the coverage like your modified full clips, also without straps, but generally built up a bit beefier to be more resistant to bending.

I use a pair of MKS steel half clips on a commuter bike that I like because it allows me to wear much larger shoes (i.e. boots) without having to adjust straps but still have quite a bit of clip retention.