username explained the TPE situation perfectly. I actually might end up connecting there again soon (because PE is a good value on both BR and CI), and if I do, I will probably bite the bullet and stay overnight westbound because waiting around Taoyuan for 4 hours during the early morning was a miserable experience last time. The ride into town isn't the end of the world; it's just not convenient like HK, SIN, TYO (stay in Narita if you use NRT), or ICN (the Incheon Hyatt is great, and Incheon New Town has some decent budget options).

Manila is actually even cheaper than Taipei for China-US, and overnights are required in at least one direction. I simply won't entertain that option (I lived and worked in Makati during 2003, and wasn't a fan).