The only time I had a problem was after hit the north, I couldn't get one of them off at all, in the end Mr NBT managed.  But that was extreme conditions for 12hours!  I've never had a problem otherwise. 

But I know that the rachets can be broken, if they are hit off a rock or something, I have never done so but I know K8to did, you can get replacement rachets though. 

As to cold hands, I wear my winter boots then as its too cold for shoes that have so much mesh!  I did ride in them in the winter once or twice but my feet were just too cold!

I am really tempted by the spesh shoes because they are so cheap but am not convinced about the ratchet system. I know Molly and Kate have had a problem, and it seems that you have too Trio. It is the muddy events that I am thinking about as I seem to have done so many of them this season.

Jumbly - thanks for letting me know that Evans didn't have a size 40 in stock in the spesh shoes - saves me a trip. I have actually found them even cheaper at Cycle Surgery (Didsbury) for £45 - they seem to have a size 40 according to their online system. May be worth ordering them on the internet or just popping over there sometime. Or should I just go for the Sidi ones - an extra £40 though. Mmm.