Originally Posted by
sonnetg
This is one reason, I am thinking of converting to a friction shifter at one point...

You could switch to one of these
integrated brake, trigger shifters for $30. The ones that came on my Avenue and Trailway say "7 Speed" on them. They have a large gap on the display dial between 6 and 7. I think this makes them suitable for 6-speed bikes. You wouldn't see the 7. The derailer's limit screw would prevent it from shifting past 6.