Harpo,
Did you hear either Tex, Mike or I say that we use the Speed Clips exclusively because they are faster? Nope. Mike mentioned that they were faster to change out lures, but he also admits that he re-ties for "safety-sake". I like the Speed Clips for several reasons. First and foremost, I don't like regular round split rings, as my line sometimes would get caught at the entrance to the split on the ring, and that can cause just as much wear and lost fish as using one of the Speed clips. Secondly, I get more action out of most (not all) crankbaits by using the Speed Clips instead of a regular split ring. I've personally been anal-retentive enough to enter a swimming pool AND a clear lake to check the results as a buddy retrieved the lures as I watched. I have not experienced ANY noticable loss of depth using the Speed Clips. Least of all the kind of depth change that you would see with changing line size. I fish crankbaits almost as much as I fish spinnerbaits. Sorry that you don't like them, and that it is a "pet peeve" of yours. I'm not offended in the slightest bit by your comments. Everyone has their right to their own opinion. However, as you may have a "dozen reasons not to use snap swivel or a speed clip", I can think of just as many that cause me to want to use it. Just my personal preference. If you don't like them, then by all means, don't use them. But you really shouldn't judge others just because they use them - you may not know their reasons for liking them, but it's their personnal preference. Like you said - "not trying to offend anyone", but I had to reply so that you know how someone else feels on the subject. I'm not a lazy person. I retie every lure that I put on, and retie often. Most of my crankbaits have the Speed Clip already attached, sitting in the tackle box. It just replaces the split ring.
All the best,
Glenn