Thanks. I'm thinking his choice - assuming he goes for SPD will be the EH500 or T8000. Both look to have ok grip on the flats when they are needed, and it looks like he should be able to get both here relatively quickly.
Out of curiosity are there any issues with shoe compatibility with these - other than obviously needing SPD cleats? I note the EH500 recommend CT or MT (city touring/mountain touring) Shimano shoes. He has Shimano ME shoes (enduro/trail) that lean a little more in appearance to road shoes.