I've been using some for a while - here's what I'm using:
I like these as with the aluminum cage if I just go for a spin around town I can use flat shoes in a pinch (although it's not the best for the binding itself).
As for getting use the fear it's truely a mind over matter thing. I just make sure I felt confident in popping out super quick, with a quick flick of the ankle. Master that and you shouldn't worry at all.
I'm not quite sure where the fear comes from - I've bailed quite spectacularly and rest assured, the bike finds a way to seperate itself from you without mangling your ankle. Uphills climbs - perhaps start out "unclipping out" sooner than you rather would when you start to fall and reduce that time with experience.
Wouldn't trade clipless for the world, your pedal stroke is so much more powerful and efficient with them....