I switched from the Time pedals to eggs about 4+ years ago. Now all my bikes sport eggbeater SL's. My wife switched as well. They are very similar to Time, but a bit more easy to get into. I came from a mountain biking background, so clip in ease was important- especially when your shoes are caked with mud. I also think the clearance is better with the eggs when used on the road (is it stack height or angle?), however, there is always some roadie that will tell you "that's a mountain pedal".

I have never had hot spots, my main shoe is Sidi Dominator. I also have/have used Lake, Shimano and Diadora. All of them have fairly stiff soles. My longest rides now are 100+ miles on the road.

With any of the eggs, isn't the contact area only at the cleat/spring? Meaning the platform on the candy, quattro & smarty, doesn't really affect the contact area? I only ask that because I know with the Time pedals the body of the pedal does nothing to support the foot.