Most other national railroad systems seem to have found a way to figure out where to put the staff. Even without that, why do three crew have to take up three tables? Isn't one enough?
There were crew spaces on previous equipment and it is my impression that some other national systems have eliminated portions of the crew that would take up space. Besides, crew spaces take up potential revenue space.
I'd have to see "taking up" three tables. I've been aboard trains and witnessed crew members sitting at separate tables. Those tables are not for everyone. Not everyone can fit collectively in those booths. However, not one person even attempted to sit across or even next to them. Does that mean they were "hogging" the tables?
As Neroden states, it is one thing if they are monopolizing the tables and refusing to let anyone sit next them, blocking the space upon request or not moving if a group wants a table.. It is quite another if they are just sitting there and no one even attempts to sit with them or looks, doesn't see an empty table and just walks away.
I remember when crews were all but forbidden from lingering or sitting in the cafe cars, with the exception of the 53 seat cafes. I still think it is bad idea for them to be in the cafe car except for a train such as the Maple Leaf, Pennsylvanian or any other train has the cafe on the rear of the train. I'v e mentioned it in the past. Crew members should be spread out, in case of emergency. What good is it if your entire crew is in one section of the train? However, with ridership high and trains short, they'd rather not block out revenue seats.
The airline brigade behind the Acela didn't want anyone in the cafe car, which is why they created the Bistro concept. That certainly eliminated the problem of crews (or anyone else) hogging space in the cafe car.
If my memory serves, I DO believe the modified bistro cafe cars had a crew space.
Does anyone remember? Jis? Marc Rider? Ryan? Blue?