Has anyone taken both rides? which one do you prefer? Which one gives most for your buck when it comes to views and experiencing Switzerland?

Depends on the time of year. The Glacier Express runs through the really high Alps, so the views are more dramatic. The Golden Pass route is lovely, greener. In all honesty, I wouldn't build my itinerary around either. Pick places that are of interest and decide later which train ride fits in your itinerary best.

I am going 2nd week of october. Ingo any ideas on the best villages there. The one that most interests me is morcote and Appenzell. What do you think?

Both are not even near either route.

Have you been to Switzerland before? If so, where? I think 2nd week of October is good for both. If you want to do the Golden Pass you should spend some time in the Bernese Oberland and the Lake Geneva region.

I am not a big fan of Zermatt. And the Glacier Express ride is very long. Thus I am leaning towards recommending the Golden Pass. But no idea how to fit in Appenzell and Morcote.

I have never been to Switzerland. My trip is 10 days long so I plan to take the train from Geneva to Morcote and spend a day then do lucerne, Zurich and Interlaken...that's why I was also leaning more towards the golden pass..also it is a little shorter.
Thanks Ingo.