I understand what you're saying. In most "normal" software you can use the interface buttons and menus to perform functions and then later move onto shortcut keys to improve efficiency.
In Blender you really do need to know the shortcut keys pretty early on because a lot of the functionally is hidden away in different parts of the software and it's a non-intuitive interface at that. After using Blender for a few years I've got used to the shortcut keys and I've learnt where all the different options are located and it's quite nice to use now, but this is because I went through the slow torturous process of figuring out where everything is and how it works.
It's correct what the pros say I suppose in that it is quite an efficient process once you understand the software, the problem is getting there in the first place. For new users Blender has to be one of the most daunting bits of software around.
There is some good news though, Blender is having a big makeover. Version 2.5 is currently being developed and I have to say the new interface is a big improvement on what we have in 2.49. It's more user friendly in terms of the look with more icons and a more responsive interface, but there is also a nice search tool that you can bring up with the space bar.
It might be time to take another look at Blender with version 2.5, it really is a very powerful bit of software and the rate at which they keep adding new features seems to be increasing. If you can get past the steep learning curve you're going to end up with a nice bit of free software at your disposal.