The gold came to be as a result of the 1949 worlds fair, which the D&RGW sent the 268, a coach, four converted gons, and the B-3 as "ambassadors". They were painted in that color which became known to some as the bumble bee. In the next few years, all of the passenger equipment became that color that was used on the Silverton Branch.
Personnaly, I don't really like the Gold color. As my Mom says (a former art student), bright colors are not warm, and too comfortable to be in. I know that most people don't mind the gold color, and yes it is historic to some degree, and the D&S has capitalized off of it, I still prefer Pullmen green to anything. I think that if the D&S used an attractive, mountain style green, it could be just as attractive. After all, once the passenegers get on board, they don't really care about the exterior color. The interiors of the cars are what really count, and I have to say that both the D&S and C&TS coaches look a little spartan. To most people, this will be the lasting impression.
Geez, that's a lot of .02.