I've got the Shimano M424's...

Its funny, I've got the left one set (according to the so-called red indicator) tighter than the right pedal and the right pedal is still a b*tch to get out of (at times had to stop completely and wrench foot out of pedal), whereas the left one is easy...

Hopefully you're right and they'll get looser with time.
Hmm... bit nervous about the next ride though! As for hills... urgh... I sweat just thinking about it!

Sara: my poor bicycle sustained a few injuries too... its a new bike so I'm a wee bit heartbroken! Scratches on handlebar and shifters... argh... where's my touch up paint?

As for my knees... well I wouldn't be wearing a skirt for a while! Scratches and bruises everywhere! No touchup paint is going to help this one.