Storm contact features - or rather lack thereof

I just converted from an 8830 and am dismayed at what appears to be the loss two features which, if I'm correct, is going to be a huge inconvenience.

1) It appears there are only eight (8) keys available for speed-dial assignment, numbers 2-9; as opposed to the twenty-six speed dial options with the 8830.

2) To dial a number from the contact list on the 8830 one must simply start typing the name, the contact appears, then you dial the number. The storm however is a four (4) to six (6) step process to accomplish the same thing.

Both Verizon and RIM state it is what it is and there is no work-around; beyond running as fast as I can to the return line, does anyone have any suggestions?