I read with some interest the bit of discussion between Beau Links and Matthew Bowne about friction shifters versus indexing. I think it is a matter of getting used to whatever you have. However, I'm going out on a limb here and noting that some brands of friction shifters require more "Trimming" than others.also some basic set ups work better than others. A properly set up half step seems to require less trimming than a regular set up in my experience. Suntour and Mavic and early Shimano (I have no experience with later Shimano friction shifting) seem to require less trimming than Campagnolo in my experience. My Peter Mooney with Shimano Deore will sometimes go for a 40 mile ride and not have to be trimmed at all! Some of my Campagnolo equipped bikes require it every other shift. I compensate for this by leaving my hand on the shifter a little longer until I see what is needed, if anything, in the area of adjustment. That Way I am not reaching for the shifters so often.
Maybe my experience is not typical. I usually ride alone and seldom closely watch other cyclists (I could probably learn a lot for sure). I like all the shifting methods about equally, although in a high wind I sure appreciate Ergo and Indexing, I get a lot less tired if I am nearly always in the right gear.
Tom Sanders