The complete emulator suite seems to be mostly suited for running tests. When working on firebase functions, I find running only them (`firebase emulators:start --only functions`), with everything else connected to the dev firebase project online, works pretty well. Persistent data but fast feedback loop for what I'm working on. You do need some scripts to manage what you are connecting to from the front end, as if you're just working on that it's probably nicer to not need the emulators at all.

I agree that it's just barely acceptable. I wish the web console wasn't so slow, and the data explorer needs a major overhaul.