I don't like Candy's for riding unclipped. It's okay for quick jaunts, but not very pleasant. I wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis.
Regarding Crank Bros. durability: I've seen WAY more failures on the stainless and Ti versions of their pedals. I'm on my or 8th pair of chromoly CB pedals - either eggbeaters, candies or mallets - (across as many bikes) and have only had to send one in for repair after a pedal strike on a rock bent the spring. The pedal was still usable on the other entry side. Repair was free, quick and painless.