"3400mhz at 16CL hows that any better than 1800mhz at 8CL? "
It depends, its slower in some workloads, and faster in others. Random access would be better on that 1800 cl8, sequential would be faster on the 3400.
I personally don't really care for the sidegrades, new sockets, new architecture, with no compatibility, when its only a sidegrade. no thanks.
Im all for new tech that is faster in all areas tho. I wish ddr4 fell into that category, but currently it does not.