1. I would effectively be stuck in China while the RP is processing, which as far as I know, takes at least 3 weeks if you're lucky, and typically as long as 6 weeks. Remember, Q1 is only good for one entry, so if I were to leave while the RP is processing, I'd have to stand in line at the consulate and get another visa.

2. It's easier for me to renew a Q2 visa once every 10 years than it is for me to renew a RP every 5 years. I'm not sure how long it actually takes to renew a RP but I suspect I may end up in the same scenario as (1). And I definitely cannot renew a RP at the consulate.

My guy can renew RPs in 3 days; he charges an extra Y500 for this. He bills the same surcharge to expedite new RP processing, but I found this to be meaningless because the preamble required a solid 10 days.

3 weeks is only time they reserve for the first time, plus another 3 weeks in case they want to check even more. Usually give it back to you after 7 working day. 7 working day AFAIK also the standard processing time for RP extension.

Except for the first time, also express services are heard off, but not guaranteed (see moondog's replies). Mostly agents with relations can get the documents on top of the pile ...

You can certainly get an RP with a Q2 in Shanghai. You're right that the Q2 visa will be cancelled once you receive your RP (just like a Q1 visa would be). Q1 (and other visas like it, such as the S1) is basically a scam made up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that they can impose some form of oversight over the Ministry of Public Security (who actually runs the border control as well as the entry-exit bureaus in China). Of course the MPS don't give a toss so they'll happily accept a Q2/S2.

Interesting. But isn't the Q1 canceled as soon as you enter China? Q1 is single entry only, and would be invalidated as soon as you pass through immigration.

There are so many factors that determine whether 1 or 2 or 5yr RP is given. I know someone who used a reputable agent and got a 2 yr RP and then the following renewal was only able to get a 1 yr RP. No reason given. I also know others that have work permits with no expiry dates (Chief Reps) who have been here over 20 years and can't get more than 1 yr RP due to lack of WP clear expiry date. And someone else i know is not able to get more than a 1 yr RP since he once was late by 1 day to move his RP from his old passport to his new one (the requirement is 10 days from receiving new passport). All these examples are Shanghai based so YMMV.

This is a case in which I find the premium between reputable and rock star to be well justified. My agent has extremely solid guanxi at the visa place, which presumably entails costs to him. I found other agents online that charge less than half his fees, but the only other guy who could guarantee me 5 years was just Y500 cheaper.

In the main visa thread, I often advise people who live near PRC consulates to get visas in person instead of using an agent because doing so isn't especially difficult. This RP based on WP thing is a completely different beast. Basically, you need ~6 documents in order to renew the WP and the RP, and the drill entails 4 separate trips to inconveniently located government offices.

Apparently, they are trying to make this stuff easier for us to do on our own.

I fail to see how getting a RP (just so you can get echannel) and having to renew the RP every 1-5 years is less inconvenient than just waiting in the regular immigration line. Of course, this depends on how often you enter China, but for someone like me (1-2 entries/year) I don't think this would pay off.

-with your 1-2 entries, getting an RP in order to use echannel probably doesn't pencil
-but, echannel is just as easy as entering or exiting a subway station
*no lines more than 1 minute long
*no human interaction
-sometimes, it only saves me 5 minutes, but other times it saves me 30 minutes

A Q1 visa like a Z visa is valid for 30 days after entry. You need to apply for your RP before the 30 days end.

Can one register for PRC e-channel at SZX, too? My next entry will be there instead of PEK or PVG where I've registered before.