You know, don't get freaked out by the stories of people falling with clipless pedals. It doesn't always happen and even if it does it may not be serious. I was much more likely to fall with cages and straps because I had them tightened down so I could use them as intended, to pull up on the pedal. If the straps are that tight, you're pretty much locked into the pedal.

You need to also consider the shoe aspect. The stiffer the sole, the more transfer of power and the fewer hots spots because your foot isn't collapsing over the pedal. Not sure what is available for use with cages, but the variety of shoes for clipless is almost unending. You may want to consider a mtbike shoe that has a stiff sole and has lugs for easier walking.

Anyway, with practice clipless are not as scary as they may sound. I think we tend to only hear the stories about falling but not all the success stories.