The swipe is required it was meant to prevent accidental touches to the screen while your phone is in your pocket. I've experimented with my phone in the pocket, without the screen active and tried walking. The cloth that makes up the pocket is not thick enough to prevent the screen from recognizing the "touches" your thigh (sounds silly, but true) makes when it comes into contact with your pocket and your phone. In short, when you walk, or probably do anything that involves you moving your legs, the N9's screen will be very very prone to accidental touches, even in your pocket. Go ahead. Try it. See if it doesn't magically bring up your Feed app, or Twitter app, or Facebook app.

Wow. I get that we all have different opinions, and nothing is perfect, but if swiping the screen before answering a call is already classified as cumbersome, then I'll do this: *facepalm*