Arrogance and a feeling superiority of ones own culture seem to me to be fairly universal.

I agree, but because it seems to be fairly universal doesn't mean it's a good way. If one's own culture disappoints one, then I suggest trying to find a foreign culture where one is at least less disappointed. Individualism beats herd mentality for one's own sake.

As for the PRC, it has fulfilled my aims and let me live well 'teaching' EFL, and nothing I could have done in Blighty could have given me an equivalent lifestyle for doing so little, and such a beautiful young woman to be my wife.

But that means not that here is perfect - it's a balancing act, and there are negs to accompany the +ves. It's a matter of degrees. It's a pity that there are disappointingly few world citizens who don't adopt this kind of mindset. But that's their loss, so it's maybe a deserved consequence of their narrowmindedness. Putting your culture first when you can find a better life outwith it is naive, imo.