To the OP, I have the Nashbar Z11 pedals: they are my first pair of clipless. They seem to working out okay now. I took a bit of time to try and get the cleats in the right place, and I have the tension quite loose as, around where I ride, there are a lot of lights and stop signs and I'd like to try and avoid embarrassing disaster if at all possible. There seems to be a reasonable amount of movement in them using the included cleats, and I think that helps in relieving any 'hotspots'.
As far as has my pedaling changed, I think it has. I went straight from flat pedals to clipless (missed out the toe-clip stage), and I'm finding it's a lot easier to pedal 'in circles' so to speak. I think I still need to work on my pedalling motion, but so far it seems to be comfortable; I am, however, just a noob, so I reserve the right to change my opinion at a later date!