I agree with you completely on this point. I just arrived in Beijing a few days ago on my 15th train of the year (I should get some sort of status for that!) and found that I am still overwhelmed by that place. I estimate that around 10,000 people arrive every morning at about the same time and are forced into the same disgusting hallway and taxi queue. I've tried all days of the week and all 5 z trains on the sha-pek route and mornings have never been better than miserable.

That said, I still think trains are cool and am glad that you took the plunge on my advice.

Also, I really enjoyed meeting you and your wife in Beijing and Shanghai. Next time, I hope to get you guys to sushi + go-karting.