You seem to be very efficient in getting shoes off and crossing. An hour a day does not seem so bad for crossings. I am not sure your "problem" needs a solution. I would call you an expert stream crosser already.

I think it just depends if you want to keep dry feet or not. If I am getting feet wet on the trail anyway, I just cross streams with shoes on, but occassionally wring out the wool socks. If streams are the only thing getting me wet, I will change into my crocks every time. It is tedious, but then it does feel great to cool off my feet and getting a few minutes out of the hiking shoes also feels very good.

For me it is a good excuse to take the pack off! Sounds like taking the pack off and on is the major problem for you. A lighter pack helps. In my opinion, if taking a pack off and on is a struggle, the pack is too heavy. You also may look at the way you take your pack off and put it on. Are you doing it in the most ergonomic way?