Is there any way whatsoever to text even somewhat efficiently?  Outside of replying to messages you just got...

It takes me 7 clicks (slow clicks at that) to text someone on my favorites list and 6 to go to my inbox and reply to a message.

Is there any way to deviate from this process?
Contacts -> contact list -> favorites -> the person -> text icon -> text message -> text -> FINALLY start typing.

I've started adding A's to my favorite contacts to avoid going into favorites (sad I have to do that, I know), and that only takes away 2 slow ass clicks.

Any tips people have on how to start a text quickly are greatly appreciated!