If you are still open to patch ideas then here is one:
A pointer ( a dot may be?) or an underline moving across the page at a changeable pace to help the eye to focus on the words, reducing sub-vocalization and thus increasing reading speed. The underline would dissappear after each line. This technique is called meta-guiding. OR a way to allow the hand to touch and move along the line without turning pages or highlighting. So the hand would take the place of the pointer or underline. An idea on how it could be done:
A SORT OF adjustable TIME LIMIT. For eg. touching the screen without moving for say 5 secs would result in the highlighting/note menu to appear. Similarly, moving hand across the page = Nothing. (Swipe action should be disabled. But tapping = Next/Previous page.
More information on speedreading. 
