How to disable limit of pattern attempts to unlock Android 2.1 device?
Depending on your needs, you may consider an AppLock program.  It doesn't lock your phone, but it may provide the same purpose by locking any apps you want.  For the particular app I use, Smart App Protector, (my version is from Amazon) you can configure it to have unlimited retries (which is the default), and you can configure it to use a pattern or pin.  You can configure the relock delays as well, so you aren't entering in a pin or pattern every single time you open a program.