I've started using an application called DTerm in the last few weeks, and it could help to make this task relatively painless.
The point of DTerm is to provide a command line specific to where you are, and with context to the application you're in. While you're in the Finder, DTerm provides a command line in the current folder in the front-most/active window you're viewing.
I have an Applications folder in my Home Folder, and a symlink called bin pointing to it for compatibility's-sake.

Note how the folder icon carries the standard Applications icon, but has the shortcut arrow.
By invoking DTerm using a configured keyboard shortcut, I can immediately rename that folder.

There's three things going on here:
- The input field which I've typed the command into.
- The command line is expanded/returned for things like variables and globbing (using the * for matching files).
- The empty field under the returned command is a static text field for output/errors. Neither of which occur when using the mv command, at least not in my invocation.
And then of course, I rename it back:

Best of all? DTerm is available completely free of charge. The link at the top of this post will take you to the author's website, and here is a DTerm Mac App Store Link.
ln -s
– Tyilo Aug 19 '11 at 18:41