@ Nora / how to improve your commute

Nora what a terrible commute, here are a couple of things that might help:

I put in headphones while in the elevator - they help to block out the typical noises: taxis, subways, cell phone conversations, etc, but in your case, it also deters some unwanted attempts at conversation. Note: Reading material and sunglasses, although I don't understand people that wear them in subways, probably also reduce the likelihood of unwanted conversation.

Make use of body language, e.g. dirty looks, hand gestures that say "Are you retarded?", etc. Based on my TSq experience, regardless of where the tourists are from (or in your case what language your suitor speaks), they will all understand your annoyance/borderline hatred. Ten minutes! Are you joking?

As for the heat on the platforms, the AC in the trains, late trains and mysterious liquids, I'm sure the MTA is waiting for a note from you.
As for the Asians, didn't you say that different cultures is what makes NY great?