Yeah, we
Yes, all of us know this.
The point is that if it was the use of third rail that was the inherent problem, we would see the subway shut down too, and no such thing has occurred.
And if we're at the point where trains are struggling with the third rail, I'm pretty sure things would be pretty bad for catenary power, too. Overhead wire can freeze over and cause traction problems, too. The whole debate of third rail vs. catenary that I have seen here seems very light on facts and very heavy on conjecture and personal feelings. Much as most transit debates are.