It is easy to just replace these these pedals every two years or so then to rebuild a higher end product. I replaced the spindles with after market ti spindles and they end up lighter than a pedal that costs 6 times as much. When they start to get worn I just swap the spindles into a new pair.
I have Candy 1 and MTNB-style shoes, and there is no concern with positively engaging the cleat while starting on a hill on wet streets in downtown Portland.
As much I like the light weight and wider cleat with roadbike-style shoes and my Lool Keo Classics, engaging the cleat requires planning, or you are guaranteed a slip, a bruise and possibly worse.