Very useful info!


I wanted to add few tidbits from my experience. Classification of these remarks is obviously subjective - one might say lack of free float is a bad thing, someone else the opposite. Maybe some of this could be worked into your list as "pedal features" (e.g. heel-in release: Yes / No, float adjustment: Yes / No etc.)


Bebop:
PROS:
a) easy to clip in (little need to look down)
b) plenty of float
c) low wieght and stack height
CONS:
a) when overtightened cleats (I don't have torque wrench), they wouldn't engage / release reliably. When tightened lightly, screws became loose quickly. I ended up using thread locker, to make sure they stay put and work as advertised. Other cleats I used weren't that touchy
b) I had to hack away part of the rubber on the side of the sole - I was using mountain shoes - to clear the spindle
c) no way to limit the float / change release angle. Cleats are keyed, I switched them to get a little lower release angle, but I think manufacturer warns to not to do that - so I can't recommend it


Frogs:
PROS:
a) easy to clip in
b) plenty of float
c) low weight and stack height
CONS:
a) I had occasional hiccup when trying to unclip with stationary cranks. Might be my own clumsiness, but it's easier to unclip when cranks are rotating
b) I had accidental releases when cleats began wearing out
c) no way to limit the float (plus no retention spring) - "dancing on ice cubes" might feel weird to some.
d) only heel out release, no way to limit release angle. I kept wondering if I'd be able to detach from the bike in case of a crash - not only you have to twist your heel out, but also release angle is substantial
e) when clipping in, sometimes 'click' is not there or very muted


Crank Bros (I used Smarty):
PROS:
a) very easy to clip in (entry possible from multiple sides)
b) accidental release pretty much impossible (I guess??)
c) models with substantial platform available (if problems with hot spots, or to allow riding with normal shoes)
d) heel-in / -out release
CONS:
a) no free float
b) little adjustment of release angle (switching cleats)
c) I had strange noises coming from my pedals (Smarty), after relatively little use. Since pedals are not rebuildable, I had to send them back to manufacturer, who sent me replacement pair. Might be that cheaper models don't last long (but customer support is great; I had hell of a time trying to get through to Specialized, to ask question about their pedals).
d) my clumsiness part 2: I had several hiccups trying to unclip, because spring in these pedals holds well, and requires some force to overcome it (SPDs allow adjusting retention force).


Few more notes:
There are two types of cleats for SPDs available. One with heel-out only release, the other with heel-in / -out.

Over 2-3 years I used Frogs, I lubed them maybe twice, and did not have any mechanical problems with pedals themselves; only with cleats, as relayed above.

I hope all this is all accurate, my memory is declining =).


But really: looks like great help for a clipless beginner.