After reading this (and watching youtube clips - seriously not recommended, just don't), I was almost crying in trepidation before my first ride. I have joint problems and a bad hip so had put off getting them until after my first fall (25mph, got some lovely chainring scars). Eventually I succumbed and bought Motodivas with SPDs.

At home, I got my turbo out and sat on it in front of the telly, clipping in and....hang on, I can't get my feet out!

Lots of mental and physical anguish later, I discover I haven't tighted the cleats enough, so they moved and made unclipping near-impossible. I'm so glad this didn't happen on a ride. Once I got them right, it was much easier.

A month or so later, I've had a couple of tumbles but nothing major. I still unclip both at most junctions and I'm getting better at restarting. What helps as I can feel the 'tug' of the shoe so I rarely forget it.

OP - why are you hopping out of the saddle and leaning? Not sure what you mean.