that’s bad science. I have read this article: https://roadcyclinguk.com/riding/bike-fitting-the-myth-of-the-upstroke.html#tFdKJvL67Ml6fS7F.97
and I have read this article:
http://www.bicycling.com/training/tips/spinning-circles-how-to-maximize-your-pedal-stroke-power
and I have distributed the power generation as much as possible to the upstroke for over 30 years, benefiting wildly from it going up the many steep hills in my area. The first article can show pictures of muscle groups and explain your rational all day; but in the end, I will pass you up a steep hill with ease if you aren’t adding torque on the upstroke.

The Starbucks marketing juggernaut has convinced the American coffee drinking consumer that their low grade burnt beans make a superior cup of coffee. Specialized et. al. have convinced the bike riding consumer that four frame sizes cobbled up with stupid length stems and seatposts is superior to 20+ frame sizes. The average recreational cyclist has bought into the marketing strategy that they must emulate the “pros” or they are not “serious” cyclists. A lot of what cyclists buy and use flows from that mindset.
It is a Quixotic folly to attempt to convince people that their illusions aren’t the real deal, and I’m not saying that what you feel isn’t just that. What matters is that “you” feel good about your equipment. It appears you do. Drive on brother, drive on.
If you can muster up an open mind, you might find this an interesting read:

http://pedalinginnovations.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Flat-Pedal-Revolution-Manifesto-v3.5.pdf

yes I do lift and push. load off the legs on the hills and there is a benefit. Don’t know WHERE you got this but it works when I us the technic. Plus side my foot isn’t moving out of position all the time and maintains the proper position to avoid injury from a bad setup. And when you come out of the saddle you are not slipping off the peddle and tearing up your shins.

I do. Consciously, when standing climbing. To the extent that until I get the tension dialled in on the pedals i can pull out of the clips. Makes climbing hill easier and faster. Up to you if you don’t want to, but generalising to claim “cyclists” don’t pull on the upstroke is something you’re not in a position to do, unless you’ve checked all of them.

On the base that I love very much the Keen Newport sandal for walking ( with no spd ) , I recently try a pair of Keen SPD sandal and I return them … not enough effective to my taste for pedalling . The only plus for them , just like the Newport , is the very wide shoe box . A real releive compare to Sidi or any euro brand .

If you were to ask a knowledgable bio mechanic, engineer, physicist or pro team worth 2 shakes of a stick they may offer you more insight than I can – but not everyone cares to ask or is open to change their mind – I get that. So to you sir I say; most importantly, have fun on your bike (if you have one). The only end of story is when society is void! Do and think as you will. I will keep pedaling in circles.

Sorry Bud, the studies and the science have been in for years, cyclists DO NOT lift up on the cycle stroke. Period, end of story. 90+ percent of all your power comes between 1:00 and 5:00. There are some advantages to being clipped in but generating power on the upstroke isn’t one of them. The psychological warm and fuzzies you might get from thinking you are is an entirely different subject worth discussing.