I don't see all the resistance to the Airport line being legitimate. In HKG, NYC, SYD and even YVR, I'll take a taxi to the Metro or the Bus. In SEA, I'll just take the bus. I expect, depending on my schedule, to hop a taxi to Makasan.
I know myself. I WON'T WAIT FOR THE EXPRESS TRAIN.
I'll take the
NEXT TRAIN (local/city train) or A TAXI 
.
The local train is 45THB and service will be more frequent. Even with a taxi to the hotel, I'm looking at just over a 100THB journey.
If I take the express for 150THB and then pay taxi to my hote l, I've just dropped my fare by 1/2 (compared to a taxi), and if the timing is good, saved time too. On average, to Sukhumvit/Silom the taxi fare is about 400THB with small rounding up (250-300THB, with a 70THB toll, plus 50THB one way for the airport fee).
As to the lugging bags crowd. The train terminal is in the airport, just like SIN, HKG, etc. If I then take a taxi in town, I see no issue.
I rarely check bags, even when coming from North America. This last trip to BKK, I had only a laptop bag, including a couple changes of clothes. Not to mention that any FTers have an apartment or condo here. I know many FTers leave some luggage at the Hotel until their next check-in.
Yes, taxis are cheaper in BKK than other cities, but the same argument can be said for trips within the city. I often prefer to take a cab in BKK over the BTS, while the consensus on FT seems to be with the BTS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvarnabhumi_Airport_Link
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/taxonomy/term/2