I would totally get the keep on covers, they will extend your cleat life as well as making minor walking and even stopping better. I refused to buy them for the first two years and two sets of cleats(used the coffee covers) but now I am a total convert. The lubing of the actual pedal is part of the maintenance, my DH uses a syringe for that bit. The maintenance issues with the speedplays is important though, inspection, screw tightening, regular cleaning (especially once you get the keep on covers). I don't know if that differs from other systems though. Having got mud in them some weeks ago (thoughtless grass walk) and almost being stuck on my bike at a gas station, did teach me that. I also have little homemade covers for the keep on covered cleats in case I have to walk any distance on mud or gravel. Imagine a barbie sized shower cap, that is what I rigged up. I have not needed to use them yet.