Ride what you like, man! When I came back to the bike after a long hiatus I made the switch from 'cages' to clipless. Dang near killed myself on every ride for an entire summer. This year, I went to Colorado and rode my butt off and (thank God) didn't have any wrecks, except for one where I actually managed to fall over while standing still--thanks to being clipped, of course. That said, I've grown to really like my clips. I rode flats one time out there, but it was at a ski lift park and to be honest, I felt terrified most of the time--like I was going to bounce off of the pedals the entire time. I'm guessing this is why most Dh riders have switched to clipless. Very secure.
I considered switching to flats about 2 years ago, but wrecked the first time out and shredded my legs and nearly bled out trying to get back to my car, so I went back to clipless. But at the end of the day I ride what I like--and so should you!