Well, I took the leap. The girl at REI was great helping me out, and I joked with her that if my knee explodes or I die I will hold her accountable 
Got these - http://smile.amazon.com/Shimano-2015-Recreational-Cycling-Shoes/dp/B00LWGS49K/ref=sr_1_24?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1431434068&sr=1-24, and the A530 double-sided pedals. Haven't put them on yet, but going to do a work session tonight on the bike to install them and bleed the brakes...
I have a very similar pair of Shimano shoes that I got to use as commuting shoes. Although they fit a little loose in the heel cup, I really like them, and frequently go with them instead of my high end fancy-ass SIDI mountain shoes, and not because I think I'll have to walk - I just like riding in them. I think you'll be very happy with them.
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