We've taken to using canned chick-peas (Delmaine) exclusively; they're just as good as fresh-soaked/boiled and much, much less trouble. They're more expensive of course, but on the other hand I don't have to waste those hours of precious life preparing the stupid things.

Note: the generic-brand canned chick-peas we tried were awful. I don't know what were done to them, but whatever it was, they were not a patch on the Delmaine stuff.