Having been the route of all kinds of clipless pedals with recessed cleats, I can attest to Crank Bros being the best. I use mine for mtb and just love them. Haven't tried the Candy but I think for using about town or on a road ride they would be good -- or any type of riding where you think having a platform would be nice.

Regarding some of the difficulty getting into the pedal -- have you attached your shoe to the pedal and turned it over to see if the sole and the pedal are touching? This is not uncommon with small shoes, but even my size 11 hubby sometimes must trim his soles.

Get out the old Dremel tool, do some careful carving and presto!