Tom-
Can't address the Crank Bros. stuff, since I have no experience with them.
As far as shoes go, all my bikes (MTB and road) have clipless MTB pedals and hence I ride all with MTB shoes. No problems. I like. I also like being able to walk in them much better than road shoes, which have no cleat recess.
Hope that helps.
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"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.