I think I finally understand the clipless benefit

I got my first road bike earlier this year having cycled all my life (late 40s) but only hybrid and ebikes etc.

As I was getting a drop bar roadbike I decided I should also go clipless and bought some wahoo speedplay pedals. I backed off the limit screws as far as I could to leave as much float as possible to avoid knee issues while starting off. I've ridden like this for months now.

Yesterday I went out for my first ride with some Shimano SPD SL pedals and blue 2° clips. I found the reduction in float made riding out of the saddle so much easier!

I finally think I get the advantage of clipless having struggled to find any benefit beforehand. I was even considering going back to flat pedals for ease of use.

Next up I'm gonna start tightening up the limit screws on my speedplay pedals to see which I end up preferring.

This observation might help someone else who has also struggled to find a benefit to clipless.