We really do need X crossings to enable the construction of compact double track junctions.
Perhaps it would help to have a double track construction tool to help their construction! It would also make building double track lies easier. I always build my main lines with double track initially.
We also need a slower time/speed setting to enable us the run the game at a more comfortable speed when there are lots of tasks that require out attention. This would be an additional setting, NOT a replacement for the existing time/speed settings!
But I agree, we are getting closer.