As for me I would not use as harsh a language as the author but I do think it is plain that Amtrak as a company on the whole is not very interested in growing Long distance ridership and the shortened consists are one of the primary limiting factors. Yes a few things are being done, but the very limited number of coaches, removal of ssl lounges on some trains, high sleeper prices, prevention of coach passengers using the diner etc.... all point to discouraging high ridership in the coaches especially. On the other hand I don't think the motives are particularly nefarious. I personally know a guy who worked for Amtrak in the Nec. Good railroad guy, also had no idea what was going on anywhere else in the company around the country. He would make fun of 448-449 actually even though he had never taken a ride on them. This happens in most large companies where some business unit's are the favored, and some are disparaged. But it seems to be a little more so with Amtrak and after meeting my friend I realized it was not just tied to the whoever the CEO was but is ingrained somewhat in the company culture.