[mjn]

> And doormen and elevators are kinda necessary when you have a busy life.

I don't really get this part, though it's a common sentiment. Here in Copenhagen, most apartments don't have elevators. Many people are busy, but I have never heard someone complain that an elevator is the bottleneck that would let them relax more. What proportion of your day could possibly be spent on the stairs? It takes me maybe one minute to walk up the 5 flights of stairs to my apartment. It's good exercise, too.

It's an issue for people who have mobility problems, but it's not a time problem.

[rdouble]

In Manhattan, doorman buildings are much taller than 5 stories.