Originally Posted by T-Mar

Well, a lot of people out there are still suffer from DAS (Derailleur Anxiety Syndrome). They break into a nervous, cold sweat when confronted with derailleurs. They don't understand them. They don't want to. Don't believe me? Look at all the fixie/SS conversions taking place. Look at all the old derailleur equipped bicycles that have a worn out small cog and all the other cogs have zero wear.

Friction shifting is the equivalent of driving a standard transmission automobile. Most people can do it, but they're intimidated and won't even learn. Indexed shifting is the equivalent of a an automatic transmission. It's easier for novices and those who don't want to have to think about what they're doing.