There are arguments to be made for downtube friction shifting, but ease of use isn't one of them. Does anyone actually think that it's more diffficult to flick your wrist, and hit the gear perfectly, than it is to take your hand off the handlebar, bend down, and move the lever the precise amount so that the ger doesn't grind?
You can argue friction shifters are lighter, less mechanically complex, arguably more durable, but it's a loosing proposition to say they're easier to use.