Hey K. -
Although I am a Jetfin die-hard, my husband loves to experiment with the new fin designs. He would tell you that the newest, most expensive fins are not necesarily "the best." One very fancy pair I bought him would be fine for boat dives but on the beach, they scoop sand & make the backwards stepping awkward. This is a really intense time for equipment design innovation. Soon, the results will be in on whether split fins really are "all that." As a new diver, fit is al you really have to worry about. If it is comfortable, you will focus on skills, not fighting the equipment. As you get more confident, you can start splitting hairs about finer points of performance.
I must tell you that from my experience, the things marked for clearance can be one of 2 things: decent but unglamourous last-year's crop, or a design that just didn't quite work out so well (ie: my snorkel with an inch too much length & a heavy top that makes it sag away from my face & suck water). If you are looking at big-ticket stuff, it is easier for us rescuers to save you if you have very standard equipment. If your fins feel good on your feet & your legs can handle a bunch of laps in the pool, you have a nice pair.