>  However, the relevant thing is what happens immediately after the
> connection is made. What happens is that the voltage of the wire decreases
> very rapidly until it approaches the voltage of the ground. Thus the
> voltage difference between the two will be 40 kilovolts only for a really,
> really small amount of time.

Exactly - and if you were to plot the resistance (between you and the wire) 
over time as you made the connection, you'll probably find the 
transistor-based current limiting circuit can reduce the voltage faster than 
you can touch the wire...

>  Thus I think I wouldn't be really wrong when I say "it's not the current
> that kills you, it's the electrical power transfer (over time)".

All the material I've read states a level of current that is dangerous, not 
power.  The "power" would vary depending on how good your connection to 
ground was.

As for very short pulses of dangerous current, I don't know what the outcome 
would be, and don't want to try it!

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