mgm,
Great report and very timely given the discussions in previous trip reports about want to see many reports of flights/from asia.
I must have been lucky when I went through NRT in 1997 as I found immigration to be very efficient, although my bags (no priority then) were among the first and my friends were amongst the last despote checking in at the same time and similar style/weight bags.
Loved the comparisons between airlines nad it looks like from what you have written that CX may be new shinning light in first class service. Although who I am kidding the best I can hope for is upgraded to J!
Mark