So one day I was trying to upload a plugin to a new WordPress site and when I got the FTP screen I figured I could just go in and update a few permissions and all would be well.  NOPE.  I spent two nights trying to figure out why I could not install plugins without FTP in my WordPress installation.  I ran across this post that contained the answer.  Here is the gem:

In your wp-config.php file, add this line.

define(‘FS_METHOD’, ‘direct’);

That’s it.  Enjoy!