Zombie thread revival.
I thought I would post my experience here too. Similar outcome. And we're in roughly the same part of the world
I have sold my M5 CHR. It's not physically out of my garage yet but I have agreed to sell it on. Over the past couple of years I have developed unbearable foot pain when riding recumbents, particularly on the M5 which has a very high BB. Last year I did a handful of rides on recumbents, this year I have done 2 and didn't enjoy them.
I can just about get away with riding them if I use large platform pedals, a midfoot position and Vivobarefoot trainers with a very wide toe box, but any ball of foot mounted pedal system is a no-go. I was using midsole position with Keo cleats on a pair of Lintaman Minimal shoes but that has also become problematic of late. SPD is basically a disaster for me., even on the wedgie bikes. I have also found on the very rigid M5 that road vibration is going up into my toes and causing severe distress as my toes rattle around inside my shoes. It feels like something has been permanently damaged in my toes as a year off recumbents hasn't made it any better.
I still can't bear to sell the Fuego so am hanging onto that in the hope that I can get a solution to work longer term, but I have more or less transitioned back to standard bikes where my feet do not seem to complain so much. Have some hand issues to sort on road bikes, but my feet seem to be happy. We also have a Nazca Quetzal tandem which is unlikely to find a buyer, but I would probably prefer to switch that to an upright tandem as well as it requires a lot of foot pressure on such a heavy bike on the hills.
I've hummed and hawed about this decision for nearly 2 years, but I think it's the right one. The M5 is a phenomenal bike and I've had some great times on it (many of them above 50 mph) so sad to see it go. I'm replacing it with a steel frame Mason Resolution road bike which I'm hoping will be comfortable enough to keep my 'long days out on the road' itch scratched. It's possible that riding road bikes more will cause other issues to develop in the future, but I've pretty much decided now that if that happens, there's no going back to recumbents anyway. I'll just stop riding bikes altogether and do more running. My main thing is getting outside and keeping fit, so not essential to be on wheels.
I am also very much enjoying getting away from roads altogether on my MTB. Something I haven't done for many years. Lots of great off road trails away from cars around here.