Is the ISO button awkward on the D7000?

I don't know if the D7000 is the same as the D90.

On the D90 you can use one of the wheels for ISO if you are shooting Aperture or Shutter Priority (menu option).

I will say I find the WB, ISO and AF dedicated buttons on the D90 not so well placed, perhaps because I like the 'direct access' to various settings in one place through the easy access screen of the D60 (I think the D5100 is basically the same in terms of approach) though you have to do more clicks to change things.  Like the D60, I think you can set Fn to ISO on the D5100.