Thanks for all the advise guys!
There's a huge sticky thread about it in the China forum.
Yes, it's linked earlier in this thread. I was continuing here to see if people had experience with Emirates staff interpreting the TWOV rules.
I don't know whether you get ten years if you apply outside of the USA
I actually can. I've talked to the agency handling Chinese visas here in Nairobi and they told me that for US citizens they do 10 year visas for about $150 (including their fees).
I'll come armed with the TIMATIC printout and requisite travel documents. It's good to know that Emirates does use TIMATIC and my call with them confirmed that they see the clause about 72 hour TWOV. I'll probably start by saying my final destination is Thailand and at least in NBO that might be the end of the conversation if they don't check the layover times on my Thai airways itinerary, or even notice that my EK itinerary takes me to PEK.
I'll report back in a month!