There's an app called Screen Mode Widget in the Market that will allow you to bypass the swiping action to unlock. You still have to press either the top button (power button)..... or the volume rocker or camera button. These 2 other buttons, with Screen Mode Widget, will unlock the phone.
If you do a search of the forums you can find myLock. It's in alpha stages but it also bypasses the swipe screen.... and then it's only one button, the power button, to unlock the phone. 1 press. Simplified! I highly recommend this app. It's not in the Market FYI.