I avoid strikes, but I don't think it's a big deal. The difference in cornering force between a pedal strike angle and the angle at traction limit is huge. If you're just starting to catch the pedal, you're not leaning very far, the wheel can hop, and will stick when it comes back down. I suppose this can vary for different crank lengths (I'm running 175s).
My pedals look machined on the outside from strikes. Of course, I've only ever owned two pairs of road pedals, and still ride the first pair from 1992. I've probably caught a pedal 100 times in the last 16 years, and never even come close to crashing.
Still, I avoid it. Last time I caught one was in a crit last season. We'd been cruising this corner pedaling for 40 minutes with no strikes. Then I attacked and went through the corner about 5mph faster, and that was enough to catch a pedal on the same corner. No big deal. Won.
So, avoid it, but not to the point of panic. When it happens, stay calm. Unless you planted it with WAY too much lean, your bike will come out of it fine. You're going to freak out some breakaway partners though.