Personally I can buy coins immediately on the "major" exchanges (re:highest volumes here: http://bitcoincharts.com/markets/ )
Easiest is using Dwolla on Gox or Banks (in person dep) ACH-w/d on bitfloor.. things like that but:
other currency trading sites use OKPay or some russian thing where I have to click on ANOTHER screen with their "partners" to deposit $ on there with yet ANOTHER set of requirements - all with like % fees etc. to actually deposit $ to trade ONTO their exchange.

sux.