I am not a Lightning user because I don't think BTC is for spending, but I think a simple terminological shift could be beneficial. If people have trouble conceptualizing "funding channels", try call it "topping up accounts".

Debit cards, phone cards, transportation cards... all have to be topped up (or at least can be). Most people are familiar and used to this concept. If the mechanics/UX in Lightning can mimic that, it should work.