With a max cabin alt of 10000', and probably actually of only 8000', there is only a requirement to descend the cabin for 16-20 minutes, to keep it comfortable at 500fpm. It would be unlikely to have to descend it any quicker, and I would think most (except babies and the obviously unwell) would not be able to equalise. It is more than possible that you have had blocked sinus - not hard in the dry atmosphere of the px cabin. I always chew gum when I'm flying (and i do plenty of sea-level to 12000' and back) and don't have any trouble unless I have a hangover or a cold - then it hurts
I do get very doughy though after a dozen climb/descent cycles