I think you've understood the idea perfectly, including all the ways in which Searle's argument is rubbish. However, I come to a different conclusion. I think

I think you've understood the idea perfectly, including all the ways in which Searle's argument is rubbish. However, I come to a different conclusion. I think that all this is exactly why the Chinese room concept is interesting — because it is so obvious, but somehow induces a huge resistance in so many people. I.e. the thought experiment itself isn't all that interesting — people's reactions to it are.