I too have a beard so you can trust me….
I’ve been riding flats since the summer and really like the feel of the big platform. I found I developed new skills because I had to, like properly unweighting the bike, getting c of g lower and generally being more aware of moving more of my body – the effect of moving my ankles, feet as well as everything else. I seem to feel more of what’s happening with the bike through the bigger platform.
Of course everything can be done spd or flats, we know that, but I know what I like. I also like grippy pedals and sticky 5.10s, why would you not want to have grip on the bumpy stuff?