Relax. No need to get hostile. I already admitted that I didn't get it, especially in light of the misleading thread title. I've been to Hong Kong a number of times where people try to rush in to the subway stations before letting passengers out, so I'm guessing it's more or less the same. You could be right - maybe there's still a lot I need to know and learn about China.

Having said that, just because it's a "dog-eat-dog" world doesn't justify that it's right. It doesn't justify the behavior or that people should forget what common courtesy is. (i.e. like in the extreme case where a child is run over by a vehicle, and people just walk right by).

Also, I didn't 'imply' that that you have anything to be ashamed or apologize for. I asked explicitly. Certainly, you have nothing ashamed nor to apologized for (since it was the driver's decision that was questionable). But, it's certainly nothing to be thrilled at or write home about because you would be miffing all the same if you were in the other shoe.

Frankly, I have been in that situation before and looked to the other passengers to see if they were OK (but mostly there was a legitimate reason - they're waiting for other parties, too many people or luggage). In case where there is blatant line skipping (to my benefit), I actually point to the passengers to ensure that the driver sees that there are others ahead of me. I'm usually in no huge hurry. If he driver insisted, would I have refused? Probably not, but more often than not, I would wonder why the cab driver does what he did. Like I said, it's nothing to write home about.
I've done enough of international traveling (even where language is a barrier) to know I'd rather wait properly in a queue, then to skip ahead of the locals even though if the service provider assume we tip well as foreigner (which we do, but it is still beside the point).

It's conceivable (even if it seems unlikely in your mind) that the two women before you could have tipped okay too. Even if they don't tip as is the local customs, that doesn't mean they should be passed over by someone who does. The cab service provided you with good service, you should tip him properly. But, skipping other people to help you long before he knew how you were going to tip is not just good service, it's profiling of some sort.

Anyway, I'll leave it as is. It's just a genuine question to think about. No need to get worked up over it. I'm glad your trip works out OK and you made it to your meeting in time.