I've stayed with toe clips and straps on my road bikes (9 now). I've found they work well for me as they maintain their opening nicely so I can slide my shoe in easily, they hold my shoe in place and I can slide back out when needed. Spring steel toe clips hold their opening better than plastic (and look better) but, more important, leather straps hold the opening much better than webbing straps, as found with plastic toe clips and on mtn bikes. I never have trouble "picking up the pedal" after a stop, generally picking up the pedal faster than any clipless rider I'm with. I also set the straps so they are slightly snug but not tight. In and out easily but snug enough that I can use the full crank cycle when I'm riding. Yes, I pull up on the 'back side' of the rotation. No, I have no cleats nailed/screwed/glued to my shoes.
YMMV. This is just what works for me.