Clipless pedals for cross-country riding are awesome. Reading your post reminds me of when I didn't use them and my feet would fall off time to time. None of that now. Nice to hammer down a line and know your feet aren't going to slip off. Takes some getting used to but once you are, you won't want to ride CC without clipless again. Do check if your pedals have adjustable tension. I have some Shimanos which were a beast to get out of until I loosened up the tension. My next purchase will be some Time ATACs(Pricepoint has these).