Pedals used - several cage style metal and plastic, BMX style platforms with pins, Shimano double sided SPD, Wellgo platform/SPD
Retention used - none, plastic toe clip no straps, plastic cages with straps, metal cages with straps, SPD with MTB style shoes, 3 x velcro systems, Powergrips.
Shoes used - Northwave ATMTB, any old shoe/trainer/boot and Five-Ten Impact Low with stealth grippy soles
Preference - BMX style platforms with pins, no foot retention and any shoe with reasonably stiff base and stealth rubber grip
Bashed shins - zero
Foot slippage - only when missing clipping in
Falls - only when unable to release from SPDs
Are there benefits to being attached to pedals? - yes, do they outweigh the negatives? - not for me