Welcome to OSO.
In a nutshell, steps (when properly designed, and on the correct hull)
are there to "aerate" the hull.
More air under the hull = less hull in the water = less friction = higher speed.
Also creates much different handling characteristics in turns than a traditional V hull.
And as far as escalators - Reggie has been using them for years.
Rumor has it they are now testing with elevator hulls