for TECHNICAL trails flats are best... you have yet to provide a real argument that proves other wise. I completely agree that for normal flat/hilly not so technical sections of trails clipless are probably better. Back when I was a teenager and competed in trials competitions some hot head XC guy and DH guy with expensive full susension bikes and clipless pedals would always say "oh we can roll down that" or "ride over that" and for entertainment value we would say go for it. This was in the middle of a competition. Each time they went head over heals or washed out and could not click out in time. Had they had flats they could have jumped off, thrown a leg out, and many other things to maintain balance and stay on their bike or take a spill much safer. Only at the 2001 Worlds did someone not say something like that to me (and I attribute that to the fact that the sections were straight up scary for even a trials rider).
That is my opinion, sorry if I am stating it in a manner that makes one think I intend it as fact.
