Great write-up.
I've flown the CI 777 in long-haul biz several times now -- mini trip report plus food pictures posted in the Other Asian Airlines forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...i-sfo-tpe.html
April biz amenity kit:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...enity-kit.html
In TPE the T1 lounge really is much nicer and IMO worth the walk. It's pretty easily walkable in 10-15 minutes depending on your walking speed, and there are moving walkways in at least one direction (IIRC each terminal's walkways are one-way in the direction of the other terminal)
While TPE is no SIN (is anything?) I don't think it's that bad. The layout is pretty simple, there's lots of shopping, and they have made an attempt to have interesting displays on the history/culture of Taiwan in many of the gate areas (primarily B/C if memory serves). Boarding area is also very clearly separated with ropes for biz/elites so no gate lice issues.
Agree with your assessment of the CI vs. AF/KL lounge at SFO
they may try to direct you to the CI lounge but you can gently remind them if you are STE+ that you should have access. (They agreed but then asked to swipe my PP card anyway, shrug). If you are craving congee or red bean soup though...
CI lounge photos:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/membe...ober-2015.html
I've
mentioned previously that I am not a fan of the post-midnight departure but as others have pointed out it does generally mean you are tired enough to sleep right away and then be awake for the early morning arrival.
However earlier this year CI added a second frequency that leaves SFO late afternoon/early evening and arrives TPE in the nighttime. Right now it looks like both are operated on the A350 but I have a January flight (on the post-midnight flight, lol) that is showing as a 777 (the afternoon flight is still an A350 then)
IMO it's a reasonable place to burn pesos for a J partner award, although if you want to book a connection you have to call in because the DL site won't return any connecting itineraries on CI.