I've never been to the Grand Imperial. But looking at their website, I would agree that they are decent, but not first class. And the reviews from other sites don't do them any favors. However...
Mr. Harper needs a lesson in diplomacy. I view his letter as a last-resort attempt at negotiation. I don't know if he pursued other options first, but you catch more flies with sugar, not vinegar.
If he thinks he can add on a parlor car and sell tickets for over $500 a pop, it's his business. If it increases his bottom line, it's that much less the average tourist will have to pay.
Fred in Wichita
Cantankerous Geezer