OK, OK, I definitely get it, now. This changes everything

I just threw the bike up on the trainer and found out just how fast one can adjust.
First, I tried out the platform side because I had my doubts about how well they would work with my shoes. I thought it would be pretty slippery. No, they really have a LOT of grip. I could use the platform side, alone, and it's a big improvement over my old (cheap) pedals.

Alright, that works.
Now, let's spin 'em around and see if I can clip in.

I kind of stuck my toe in there to flip the pedal around and while I was looking to find the clip, I already WAS clipped in. It's that easy? Yes. I actually clipped in by accident. No muss, no fuss. To prove it was no fluke, I did it again and again. It's almost like the cleat and pedal are attracted to each other like quantum particles. You get close and you almost can't help but get clipped in!

It feels kind of weird. I'm used to the security of traps and now my foot feels free, totally unencumbered. You can't even tell you're not on the platform side until you pull up. Then you know you're attached. Cool. Unclipping is a breeze. I have actually tightened it up a notch. More for peace of mind, really, than for more grip; I don't think my foot is gonna accidently come off of the pedal. it's locked on pretty nicely.

The cleat adjustment on the show is no big deal either.
The shoes sits squarely on and there's enough float (now I know what that means) that I can turn my toes in, out, where ever. The float is kind of odd feeling -there's quite a lot of wiggle- but I'll get used to it. So, until I get some miles on 'em, I'll let 'em where they are: centered side-to-side and in the front holes. They already don't look new anymore
Hey, how do you tell when the cleats need replacing?

That's it. Welcome to a new world. Please don't rain tomorrow, please.

Thanks for all your support and collective wisdom.
I'll have another report after I take 'em out on the road.