Big benefits of going clipless?

[Zen]

I trained and rode my first century in the summer of 2008 all in my running sneakers with cages on my pedals. ?

Don't feel pressure to do what all the other kids are doing. If you are comfortable in your sneaks, ride on unencumbered by the thought process (and fear factor)

The only time I ever feel an advantage to being clipped in in on hills.

You might consider this-
http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse