Well, the end of the books are generally better than the beginnings... But if you think the books are slow now, you have a lot of skimming ahead of you :(
It picks back up around book 11 ^^
Not dead :) I enjoy reading your musings, but I find it hard to respond without spoiling it ;)
So far, I am in total agreement with you when it comes to the pacing...
Honestly, Shadow Rising is good for two things. Maybe three.
Rhuidean. The wedding.... And the Aiel in general :)
But I agree, the pacing could be better. Sadly, the 5th book is not much better in that regard (small spoiler)