IMO not really that Big of a deal! You were taking a short Joy Ride on Acela in Biz Class, which everyone that hasnt yet done this should try, one woman was assisted to a Biz Class Car by a Red Cap, which is his job! (Red caps are Amtrak Employees but are not paid like Agents and OBS, thus depend on tips for their living) As Alan said, First Class Pax get to jump the line while the Agent checks the unwashed masses tickets @ the Gate! As lots of our Members and Guests have said, Acela probably isnt worth the difference in Price over a Regional unless someone else is paying (ie business or write off or you are rich and have money to burn!) or the Regional has higher Buckets than the Acela which does happen!
Bribe is too harsh a word, in Politics it's called "Campaign Contributions", Schools and Governments call it "Fees" and @ Churches it's "Tithing!" As weve had said many times on these threads, as long as it's not Illegal or Denies Someone in Need Assistance, there's nothing wrong with Utilizing the Existing System to your Advantage, that's the way of the World!!