A lot of people can't afford a sleeper. They are getting more expensive every year. I've taken many sleepers on points,but I couldn't afford them if I had to pay. As I mentioned above, it is outrageous how much Amtrak charges for a simple stopover. Albuquerque on the Chief and Denver on the Zephyr.If you are in coach, this breaks up the trip nicely.Yes, people will say the food is included in the sleeper price, but looking at the price for a sleeper from Chicago to LA or Oakland, it would be a lot cheaper, if there was no outrageous surcharge for a break in the journey. This is for one person. If two are getting a sleeper, it's a bit more reasonable., at least under the current system. After January the second person will have to pay the cach fare, from what I understand.
I remember getting a roomette as late as ten years ago for $160 from Chicago to Seattle on the Builder and about $190 from Chicago to LA on the Sunset Limited/Texas eagle. Those days are long gone.