Stay with the pedals, they're SO worth it. However!!! Practice. On grass as mentioned. I don't ride Look pedals, so maybe you have to unclip by twisting inward, on the SPD pedals I've ridden you could unclip by twisting outward. Give that a try. Otherwise, just unclip with your foot at 12 o'clock, above the bottom bracket.
My lame story: When I first tried clipless pedals, it was with a pair of Onza's that a buddy swore by. I think I had a bum pair because I could NOT disengage my left foot. I literally would have to fall down, and then twist my body as to gain more leverage and twist the daylights out of my leg to get my foot out. I took the pedals off and swore to ride toe-clips. Then I exchanged them for a pair of Ritchey clipless pedals and they were smoother than butter! In and out, no problem. So, maybe it's the pedal. . .