I have gone with clipless pedals and cleats yesterday!!!!
Rode about 8 km in town (lots of stops, red lights, and a couple of minor hills). And today did my usual early morning 14km loop, also in town, but with no traffic in the streets. I absolutely LOVE it.
It is a very different way to pedal. And muscles who apparently had not been working for three years (this is my third season bicycling after 30 years off the bike) were a little sore last night, and again today. But no falls and really no fears I must say. I do have a new mantra (as I approach a stop/red light/or anticipating a situation calling for a stop) : unclip! unclip! unclip! LOL
I feel good about this. Just like when you get to hang with the older kids in that other schoolyard. ;-)
I have decided to go with clipless pedals as I am going for a cyclotouring trip in a month, and figure that it might do a difference then. I thought that a month would give me a good idea if I want to do my trip clipless or not. So far, I'm liking this. If the sore muscles are less and less sore as days go by, as I do my various commutes this week and the next weeks, then, it's a go!

I have no preconceived ideas about this. There isn't, in my mind, a better way to ride per se. It is each person's doing their thing, and what is good and best for each person. But I feel good having tackled something new about bicycling, and I am curious of what it will bring on. I'm not into speed, performance, etc. But I would love to gain stamina. So anything that may help me improve my pedaling, in longer rides, is welcome.