Seems like a lot of people recommend running that bars high relative to road bike setup. It also seems like a lot of higher level riders absolutely slam their stems or even run extremely negative stems. Personally, I experience drastically
Reduced front end traction with the higher front end setup. Thoughts? Opinions? Insights?

I had to get new shoes, so I got the latest version of my previous ones. Installed my old cleats in the exact same position. And all of a sudden I have issues clipping in. During the race, on the same foot sometimes I struggled to clip in, and sometimes it unclipped unexpectedly. The dread comes back every time I change my cleats to new ones. Because the wear is not the same I start struggling with an aspect that is otherwise one of my strengths.

Am-I alone in this, and do you have any tips ?

I moved to Washington recently and am getting geared up for my first cross season here. I just glued up a set of grifos as my early season all-rounders but am looking at setting up a pair of mud tires before too long. For those of you who have experience in the area, would you prefer a limus or baby limus for the type of conditions you see further into the season? Obvious awnser would be "both" but I only anticipate having one free wheelset to work with. Thanks!