Not to sound too preachy, your lawyer friend is absolutely right. The jury system is based on the concept of decent people being willing to make a decision based on the laws, testimony, and evidence presented to them. Without good people willing to serve, the jury system becomes... Well, pretty much what we're seeing today.
I've been called to sit on a jury 3 times now. The first while I was in college, living out of state, so I was unable to do so. Twice now, I've had to take off of work, and pay my own parking (the per diem from the courts didn't cover the cost of parking downtown!) to sit for 4 hours, three days in a row, before being dismissed as not being needed.
I've gone, and felt good about it, because I know that it's part of my responsibility as an American citizen.
Mark
You are exactly right. I did feel a bit guilty about looking for an "out"...