When I first started out moving to clipless pedals, I tried Shimano pedals but didn't feel comfortable on them. Then a friend, who owns a bike shop, recommended trying a set of Eggbeaters. When I got those installed I felt they just naturally worked better for me. They were easier to disengage, I didn't need to adjust spring tension, and I liked the ability to swap the cleats around to have more or less float. I've run Eggbeaters ever since, maybe 10 years now. I have not had any problems with any of my EB pedals until recently when I broke a spindle shaft, but CB is aware of the problem and is replacing the shafts on all my EB pedals. Older EB designs also had issues with not having good sealing around the bearing but the newer design as of 3 years ago, addressed that as well and now EB are more robust. I would not recommend going any cheaper than the EB 3 (~$75 street price) as the lower end 1 & 2 do not use needle bearings and the pedal body of the EB 1 has stamped steel instead of forged stainless steel. I really don't see why CB makes anything below the EB 3 as it just makes for a cheaper, low quality product that doesn't help their reputation.
I think everyone has their favorite pedal, and one brand or type isn't significantly better than another, if it were everyone would be using just one brand of pedal. I think the Shimano, Time, Eggbeater, and even the Speedplay pedals all have something good to offer.
You should see if there is someone at your LBS that can let you try out a few of the types, even if you just try it out in a static setup (not riding since you are new to clipless) and get a feel for how the cleat engages and disengages from the pedal, you will be able to get a feel for the differences.
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