hiya... the biggest benefit of clipless is that they allow you to use ALL your muscle power to move the bike... with platforms you push down with your quads but have no way to pull up... with clipless, since you're locked in, you push down and then as the pedal comes around you also PULL UP, putting those hamstrings to work as well! Most of your power should come from your core and your glutes... but you definitely will increase speed being able to utilize everything you got...

OK, so that being said, I learned in my garage with my ex-husband holding the bike in place (my personal trainer sorta!) and I would clip in, clip out, clip in, clip out... first couple of rides I stayed back and unclipped WAY in advance of any stop so I was ready... once unclipped it's no different stopping than when you're in platforms...

as you get comfortable too, it is important to learn to unclip BOTH sides and alternate at every stop... this allows you to have first your right foot down and STRETCHED out (gives the IT Band a way to stretch for a minute) and then at the next stop your left foot down so you can give that side a minute to stretch...

After practicing a few times I was fine with them... the only time I have fallen was unrelated... front tire in trolley track= body on pavement

good luck and let us know how it goes if you decide to try 'em!