The 324s are great! I have used them for about 19 months now, and I've had zero problems. Easy to click in and out of and they don't seem to have worn at all (just some cosmetic scratches on the metal surfaces). Adjustable spring tension is wonderful as well - I've set mine fairly loose, as I'd rather click out by accident occasionally (although it's very rare - maybe 4-5 times total), than remain stuck if I'm about to fall or have to stop suddenly.

Regarding not knowing which side you get up, that's a non-issue in practice. The pedals are weighted to naturally stop with the same side forward every time, so if you want to click in, you push the pedal from one direction, and if you want the flat surface, you push it from the other direction. Easy!