There should be a way in which when you view a gift list that the pledge shows up but then you could minimize the list of payments associated with that pledge. Maybe under the "Show" drop down there could be an option to show pledges only and not include payments.
When I'm on the gift tab and select Show > Pledge & payments or Pledge & Installments, that's what I get. A list of pledges. To see the payment or installment info, I have to click the '+' to view them.
Seems like what you're asking for is already possible. :)