The lines and stress are entirely due to the “first come, first serve” seating strategy on the non-business class trains. If they did reserved seating on all the trains and let latecomers fill in afterwards then nobody would care to be in the front of the line.

There’s plenty of space for everyone’s bags and such no matter when you board, unlike a plane. If you are traveling with a spouse or friend of course you’d want to sit together but most people are trying to get in early to try and get a window seat and put their stuff on the aisle seats to prevent having to sit next to someone.

That’s very cool

Thank you for correctly saying “champing” vs “chomping” wasn’t sure if anyone still knew the proper phrase anymore. Made my morning.