I don't think it's just a clever/nonclever way of saying either of those. I think the point of describing a honeymoon stage of culture shock is that people frequently go through a period of ZOMG THIS IS ALL AMAZING, followed by a period of ZOMG THIS IS ALL AWFUL. So it's not just a way of saying that I find things to appreciate; it's a way of saying that I'm at the point where the good things all jump out at me, but I haven't yet had to deal with any of the bad things.

Not sure what you mean about the missing honemoon stage?