As I said, I do a single-connection and don't mind the city line. I also don't mind the typically-late-morning (coming in on CX) walk from BTS or MRT. I travel with a single rolling carryon-sized back and light backpack, so it's not bad.

Ditto ARL-BTS-Ekkamai, for getting to Pattaya; the once I tried it was really not bad. Other folks would rather take a cab and save time; it's not exactly an expensive cab ride through local arrange-ahead services (1000 baht) but ultimately on a mid-day arrival I'm happy enough to just chill, read and observe the locals.

Now, I've managed to get in early enough to take the ARL-BTS once on a late arrival; wouldn't do it again. Rushing for worry about not getting the last BTS out of Phaya Thai (turned out to be a premature worry, but didn't have the schedule correct in my head) and dealing with the sidewalk carnival on Sukhumvit with bags was not worth it. Had I been staying in walking distance of MRT (where the crowding at night isn't as bad) might try it again but at that hour am happy to take a cab.