Paypal would actually be the big winner if this happened, so I don't think they would be wanting this not to happen, as it would be the easiest way to transfer Fiat into Bitcoins.
In the end my friend never did end up purchasing any Bitcoins to use in the Bitcoin economy. If we can't make it so even someone that is sold on the idea can't get in, how do we expect others to follow?
https://www.bitinstant.com/ this is what your looking for.
Nope - no credit cards, have to be registered with some service called zipmark or something (I've never heard of it) to then have your bank send money over.
Obtaining bitcoin in the United States is a hurdle.
It's difficult but possible. Just as systems were getting in place and easier the regulators moved in and screwed everything up.