In reply to mmmhumous:
See if you can have a look a the Petzl Zyper Vertigo:
http://www.greatoutdoors.ie/images/Petzl_Zyper_Vertigo_Lanyard-bc458.jpg
It's got krabs where you have to pull the sleeve down to open them, but actually, the difference is almost nil, in terms of how they handle. You have your hand around the spine of the krab and pull the thing down to open it. It is also possible to buy the petzl zyper (not vertigo!) without those krabs, so you could put whatever you want in there.
I'd certainly not discount it entirely - all the systems and krabs have their advantages and disadvantages - get to a shop, get it in your hands and have a play. I've certainly got on well with the zyper vertigo over the last 3 years or so, in the Dolomites, alps and more "sporty" short via ferratas round here. I suspect you get used to whatever set you use most, and become very quick with operating the thing.
Cheers,
Tim