it really comes down to a personal preference. I prefer platforms. I like the way my entire foot feels more supported and overall i just feel like I have a better grip on the pedal. A good pair of platforms will be grippy enough to do anything you want. The only real reason to go to clipless is the ability to pedal a little bit more efficiently which alot of clipless people don't do, causing undue strain on the knees that could be avoided. you should never be truly pulling up on the pedal at the back but in reality moving in a D pattern versus the pedaling in circles you hear about. Pulling up on the pedals puts force in an unnatural direction on your knees. you should really be pushing down, 'scraping' backwards, not pulling up, and pushing the pedal forwards and then down.

I find that riding platforms is much more enjoyable to me as it actually forces me to be a better rider by not allowing me the possibility of using clipless as a crutch in any way. I also ride multiple disciplines (dirt jumping, street, XC, and some freeride) and love the ability to have the exact same pedal on every rig so that it always feels the same on my feet instead of switching from flats to clipless and bike with different bikes.