The other day I did a group ride (50 mile road ride) with someone who used the pedals with the pins on a road bike. The pedals were red. He was very happy with them.

I find clipless pedals to be useful on climbs, especially when I'm tired or its very steep. That's when I focus on pulling up through the bottom of the pedal stroke. I also like to keep my shoes as loose as possible, which is not considered ideal for clipless pedals, but that's what's comfortable for me.