having been there myself (two tours in GUM plus another one in MNL on the old freighter deal we had with DHL) i would be careful about GUM. virtually EVERYTHING there is substandard from schools to medical facilities to utilities to govt services. on the other hand, if you're excited by not knowing if the lights will work when you flip the switch and enjoy driving on pot-holed roads, not to mention that most of the locals will treat you with disdain at best, then give it a shot.

i've found over the years that people either love it or hate it, no in between. personally, if i never see the place again it will be way too soon.

it is a great place to travel from if you like asia. a friend of mine commutes from brisbane, australia. getting to/from the mainland can be a nightmare and you will find that all kinds of friends of the gate agents get upgraded ahead of you illegally and there's nothing you can do about it; your complaints will be "investigated" and you'll never hear from them again.

LAX-GUM has been talked about for years but nothing has ever come of it. i assume that's because there's little demand.