Pretty much that. IME having a big platform to allow you to not clip in is usually more trouble than it's worth, since you wind up setting your foot in an awkward location to keep it from clipping in and then the pedal isn't loaded right, the cleat may or may not get in the way and reduce the shoe's traction, and the whole thing is an unpredictable mess. And you only do it when you're trying not to commit to something that goes better with commitment. Maybe this is what one-sided pedals are for?
Bodes well for him that he's tying to pick one type and stay with it. Bailing from clipless is a lot smoother once the ankle turn is a solid reflex. I never remember doing it but I haven't stayed stuck to a bike involuntarily since about the first year or two of clipless.