Funny that! A good friend is in the process of buying a new bike. I was explaining the difference between clipless and toe clips. He just couldn't wrap his brain around the idea that clipless clip in with cleats. It took about a half hour before the lightbulb went on!

I commute in Boston (frequent stops, sudden stops, chaotic traffic). I use clipless. I love it. I don't "lose seconds". I don't fall over. Your mileage may vary. In fact, everyone's mileage varies -- it's just the people who like to say stuff like "it's not worth it" who don't get that. They've decided that it's not worth it for them -- you will hopefully make your own decision.

Yes...go clipless even for that distance.

My commute in Boston is just under 2 miles and I ride clipless. The upside is when I decide to go from one side of the river to the other to play ultimate (about a 5 mile ride each way). I feel a real benefit for that distance.

I've always got a bag with me so it's easy to store my other shoes and just carry them.

Sounds like you want to try them no matter how long your commute is - so go ahead: nothing wrong with that.

I use Shimano A520s on my commuter, and toe clips on my city bike. Both work fine. I don't like using platform pedals, because I don't want my feet slipping off - and it rains a lot in Berlin. Platforms are fine in relatively dry environment and at relatively low speeds.

My 2 cents