There's an OpenID bridge [1] to make it easier for GMail users to sign in using Persona if they're currently logged into GMail/Yahoo! [2]. I haven't used it but the end goal of Persona is that 3rd party email providers can be their own Persona identity providers.
We definitely need something like Persona but I share your concerns WRT friction. Chicken meets egg.
We definitely need something like Persona but I share your concerns WRT friction. Chicken meets egg.
[1] http://identity.mozilla.com/post/56526022621/what-is-an-iden...
[2] http://identity.mozilla.com/post/57712756801/persona-makes-s...