My .02 on Speedplay Light Action pedals for newbs (ie me)

[TigerMom]

Thanks for comparing the SPD to the Speedplays.

I think that next time I am due for new shoes, I will buy some Speedplay frogs for my mountain bike shoes (which I use for road biking)

[Crankin]

I never even considered buying the pedals without the covers. You are not supposed to walk in them without the covers.... it degrades the cleat and is just dangerous. The only maintenance I do is some lube on the cleats every 3-4 weeks.
Some people complain about the covers, but since I've always used them, it's just natural. Keep some extra ones around the house, cause they can disappear!
As far as not hearing the "click," my X series (they are the older version of light actions) do click, but the Frogs I have on my Guru don't. It was different, but if you really listen, there is a subtle click, which you can feel more than you can hear.