Hahahahaha! LONTANO! MOI?
So, I had a go with the cleats (see evidence here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoodlum_scientist/).
No problems at first - I practiced snapping in and out whilst holding on to a park bench for a while. When I thought I'd got the hang of it, I wandered off around the park to do a few circuits.
I didn't have any problems until I encountered people and even then that was okay, like you said - I started grabbing hold of things, park gates and lampposts mostly. So, everything was going swimmingly until I came across the very long stretch of path in the park and a dog flew out towards me. I didn't fall off, but I came close - managing to snap out of the pedal just in time.
I recognise what a difference they make racing-wise, but day-to-day I'm not entirely sure they're suitable. I think I'll need to work with them though, as it'd be rude not to enter a few things (London to Brighton etc) and not use them, but for day-to-day use, I'm going to get some cages etc.
That bike is beautiful though. Many thanks. F**king fast innit!