Honestly, if you don't like them...don't use them and quit hatin'

Personally, I think there's a range of applications both for and against them. There are speeds and circumstances at which its impossible to argue their usefulness and

<begin trollfood>
there are speeds at which a skilled person on good platforms can do as well or better than a relatively unskilled clipless rider

and insofar as that whole leg lifting thing, personally I feel more like I get better control over the forward/backward movement than the up and down, but either way, the higher the percentage of the stroke that both legs contribute power to the chain, the better.
<end trollfood>

But personally, my clydesdale's hooves ALWAYS slipped off of platforms every time I tried to ride them in any kind of serious cadence (read: 70+rpm in my lame case) and I definately lack the coordination to use clips and straps as well as my size 13's dont fit in most standard clips with the shoes I'm comfortable to wear. so I LOVE them, but ymmv.

I will however hate on clipless SHOES, well I would have until I found out my favorite brand: Keen makes spd sandals. I just want an SPD work-boot with enough recess to give clearance for my cleats so I can ride to work, unclip and be out on the concrete floor without sounding like a horse