Bill I understand your "Pain in the butt, takes to long, etc." feeling, but for a long lasting good looking satin finish,I have to say a little more time finishing pays dividends.
I have had great success using Captain Eddies shine juice. 1/3rd boiled linseed oil, 1/3rd denatured alcohol, 1/3rd shellac. (I apply at least 20 coats with a shop towel.)
Takes quite a bit of time but the results are worth it to me. Especially the durability. Have used a pepper grinder daily for the past 5 years and it still looks like new.