Not sure I agree with the OP. After 5 years in Italy, travelling by train can be quite frustrating or quite easy depending on lots of different circumstances, going from where and to where, time of day, time of week, strike situations, class travelled, etc..

Regional trains make LOTS of stops. For example, in the Veneto to get from Padova to Venice on the regional train would require at least 6 stops: Padova,
Stra, Dolo, Mira, Mestre, Venice.. Can take a LONG time depending on length of stops, time of day, traffic on the rails, etc.. whereas the ES or IC will go Padova, Mestre, Venice and arrive anywhere from 10-20 minutes before the Regional train. Yes, the regional train costs more, but I guess it just depends on what your needs are.