I just don't get the attraction of through-service as opposed to connections. In another thread, myself and wigwagfan discuss the folly of such operation on the Cascade corridor. Because it's a compromise, no city gets really good service times. You also have a fixed consist train that cannot drop cars on the Eugene and Vancouver "branches", which is what they really are.
Right now the Hiawatha operates with two fairly long sets, all coach, no business or food. It is often packed. Why do we need to drag a money losing cafe to Milwaukee? Why do we need to drag seven coaches to Detroit when 3-4 will do?
Think of it this way - if we cut 49 and 29 in half and made both halves day trains, Cleveland wouldn't have to worry about 3am service anymore.
The new Acela: It's not Aveliable.