I commuted between Basel and Berne for about 6 years, and that was before the Intercity trains were around. It was totally do-able, and if it hadn't been for the ungodly hour in the morning that I had to get up, it would have been mostly enjoyable.

If you like to read, then it's actually brilliant as it gives you the time to do so, with relatively few interruptions!

When I did my commute (the 80's) a monthly train pass was pretty affordable - I found that sitting at the extreme front or rear of the train usually guaranteed me a seat in a quiet section since most people don't feel like walking the length of the train to find one.