Well, speaking for myself, it'd be a pain in the butt to slide out the keyboard or do the number pad->long press on 1, or something similar. I've created direct dial links for the numbers I call most often and put them on a separate screen. I've put enough physical distance between the icons I can dial them without even looking at the phone.
There is probably an app for that...
It's hard to second guess design decisions but I suspect it has to do with the physical design of the phone i.e., there is no readily accessible keypad on which to long press a number for speed dial.
If I recall correctly (it's been a while since I used it) the iPhone also doesn't have speed dial, probably for the same reason.
Why do you think everyone wants what you specifically want? Consider that you can modify the Droid in this and many, many other ways. That's one of the major points of the Droid, IMO.Again... WHY need an app for a basic function??
Ya'll use your fingers to dial numbers?!!
I just hit the microphone and say "Call George Washington" or whoever. and the phone does the rest. I might have to select which number i want if the contact has multiple #'s.