My experience is very similar to Bilko's (excellent post BTW!). I was highly involved in Chi Gung 16 years ago and discovered Chia's book, "Cultivating Male Sexual Energy." It's kind of the root practice from which, "The Multi-Orgasmic Man," was formed. It has essentially the same information with more emphasis on traditional meditation techniques, intimacy, and spiritual applications. I felt very much the same way Bilko did, the PC Squeezes were merely distracting and not helpful. The whole system seemed terribly complicated for something that was supposed to be passionate and fun.
The one thing I learned from Chia's system was to use a personal variation of what he calls, "The Big Draw." I learned to receive my girlfriend's orgasms as they surfaced. It was extremely pleasurable and intimate, but not quite fully, "orgasmic." Still, I was able to ride HER multi-orgasmic waves. So, in a sense, I had some multi-orgasmic experience that way, but it was dependent on my partner. In retrospect, I think this only worked because I had been practicing Chi Gung's (including Chia's Microcosmic Orbit) for 1-3 hours a day, for 4 years prior to losing my virginity. Without that previous energy practice, I doubt I would have found much benefit from Chia's system at all.
I never bought the ESO book, but browsed through it many times in book stores. I had already become turned off by any technique involving PC squeezes. I was determined to find another way.
About 5 years ago, I finally started looking into Tantra. I knew it was PC-based for men, but I was desperate and since it had a multitude of other techniques, like the Eye Gazing and Synchronized Breathing Bilko mentioned, I gave it the 'ol college try. Several books and videos later, I found myself back in the same place I started. And that's when I found this website! The rest is history...