Similar results as you - My Look Keo cleats (red, non grip) gave a very subpar experience. They clipped in OK. but were particularly difficult to clip out, like almost impossible. This year is my 35th anniversary of using Look clipless pedals and I had never experienced anything close to this.
After watching the GPLama video I decided to try the Expedo cleats that came with the Assiomas. Instant night and day improvement. The Assiomas went from the worst clipless pedals I had ever used to on par with the best.
The Keo cleats I used were worn and due for replacement so maybe that was the cause of my trouble but they were working just fine in my Keo pedals before I switched pedals.