Messrs. Johnson and Moore, as always, I respect your thoughts that you set forth at this site in the mature manner you always do.
No question whatever, all the Acela II equipment ordered will eventually be accepted and placed in revenue service. At that time, Amtrak will have trains equipped on a par with those in service on the H(er)SR lines overseas, such as within Austria, Switzerland and several Eastern European nations.
But I really must question if the "dollar a mile" fares commanded by the existing Acelas through January '20, can again be realized. Sure, Amtrak can "fill 'em up" and maybe at a fare slightly premium to that on the Regionals, but I cannot foresee a return to their "making book" enjoyed pre-COVID.
The Locally sponsored services will provide whatever frequencies, fare levels, and on-board amenities the sponsors choose to offer - and pay for.
Now to the LD's; let's not address my differing views from their advocates, which were formulated during my eleven years in the industry, but note that those here and the other sites longing for a return of the amenities withdrawn, especially since non-rail, yet transportation, senior management came on the property, I must question if they will return.
True, it can be said that someone willing to pay $2936 (Bedroom) for an X-Country journey - NYP-49(16AUG)-CHI-3(17)-LAX- taking over 67hours deserve amenities. However, "know so first hand" airlines have stripped them from overseas Business Class and have hardly added to the "already stripped" domestic First (last flew such ORD-DFW-ORD Jul '19). Based on my ORD-MUC-ORD journey last August (not going this year; too much COVID over there for my comfort), I would describe Business Class amenities equal to that found in domestic Coach up to the '80's when Dereg "made it all about fares". Dinner was no longer plated (sound like Flexichow?), and wine was "presented" in a 1.875ml "mini". Still comp, but if you want more, ask the Attendant - no more Attendant circulating through the Cabin with with both a bottle of Red and White.
So Amtrak's position could easily become, hey, nobody else offers such. Why should we?