Mr. Jersey, I think Stuart makes most sense as a Martin County stop. First, I think there would be less potential congestion at the "Achilles Heel" of the entire route - the St. Lucie River bridge, for which, absent public funding, simply cannot be addressed.
Secondly, heavily Republican Martin County was the most vocal in their opposition to Brightline. While some might hold "we won, rub it in their face", they have their "Ace in the hole" by maybe discouraging their "Navy" to go on maneuvers simply to interfere with Brightline (and FEC). Given a stop, somebody just might lean on the Commodore to forcefully inform his Captains "this is when the bridge opens".
While I realize that one trip does not give a full picture of anything, and having the longest non-stop ride other than Auto Train East of Ol' Man River was "sport", the 99 PAX count I made seems "thin" when compared with the sellouts they have on their Corridor. I was "victim" of one this past January when I had had my fill of Vino at Ruth's in West Palm, and to get back to Miami, Coach would have been just fine. But they were sold so I had to go First ($84 for sixty five miles - that's Acela First pricing!!).
All told, to prop up the WP-McCoy segment, a stop in each of the three other "Treasure Coast" counties need be considered. I could foresee where flying into McCOy, then Brightline would become most convenient for the "moneyed folk" residing in the likes of Hobe Sound and Johns Island (my Father when residing in Vero Beach always used PBI). Sure, the schedule will need be lengthened, but the reports I've noted are that Aventura and Boca are "draws" - and I can personally attest to Boca.
