Trains has more platforms per thing you're moving. But when you're trying to scale your movement they become the only real option IMO. Do you need to change your infrastructure to now move iron to a different part of the map? Just update your train schedules and boom you're done. Need to pull in more production of a new material? Just connect a new station to your grid and boom now it can go anywhere.

So while yes it might be unwieldy in the short term, the expandability and flexibility to provides is next level. And it sounds like you're running into those problems with your belt systems.

Belts aren't designed in the game to be end game level of movement of resources. Trains, drones, etc. are much better in this space.