They also ride heavy bikes with chainguards and other accessories which make them convenient but also not designed to be ridden more than 15 or more miles at a time (I am not necessarily talking about fenders here). If I had a commute of 10 miles (one way) or less I would not bother with the clipless pedals but for my application they do indeed help. I doubt you would see the dutch cycling team using platforms.

You need to attack the problem with the right tools. For short errands, it does not matter what the bike weighs, but the convenience is key.
For fast or longer rides, the tools change with the longer you are on the bike continuously.

And last I checked, I did not live in Amsterdam, so my real world is different.

If Phoenix was laid out and designed like most European cities I would be hard pressed to find a commute over 10 miles. Unfortunately I live in the real world as it pertains to me.

Wouldn't it be fun to see how all those single speed Amsterdam bikes would do in a hilly city such as San Francisco? It would seem the "Real World" is highly dependant on geography and local government
planning.

There, I have said my piece, to each their own.