Something to consider: your bike fit will likely be different depending on cages/platform verses clipless (due to different size/shape of clipless shoes and the cleat, which can be bulky depending on the pedal system).

I went right to clipless pedals and recommend this approach if you are comfortable already on bikes/riding. If you are returning to riding after a gap, you might want to start with platforms until you are comfortable on the bike again (or ride on a trainer/spin bike clipped in until you are comfortable clipping in and out).

I personally think that cages are more challenging to beginners than clipless pedals because it is more difficult to get out of cages in a pinch (even if the straps are loose)--the "pull-back" motion required to remove your foot from the cage is awkward and much less intuitive than the "twist-foot" motion used for clipless systems. Plus, the cages can get tangled in your shoelaces.