I've got indexed shifting on my MTB. Thus far, I far prefer the non-indexed. Two of my seven gears in the back on the MTB rattle, no matter how I adjust it, three and six are always just a hair off. Friction shifting, I'd just give the lever a quick nudge and be done with it. The front is essentially a non-indexed friction, even if it has detents instead of smooth movement, it allows a lot of trimming. I far prefer that over the old indexed one that came with it.

I don't particularly find the indexing any simpler, and actually like being able to slam the friction shifters full forward or full back.