X10 How to manual focus?

I know how to switch to manual focus with the little switch adjacent to the lens but...

1. In EXR mode it still auto focuses

2. In other modes such as P, manual focusing is possible by rotating the ring around the menu button. It's so slow. I need to rotate the ring 10 times to go from close to far focus. Is there a better way I'm missing?

I wish there was a focus ring on the lens or at least on the thumb wheel at the upper right corner of the LCD above the AEL/AFL button. What does that wheel do anyway?
I know RTFM...