Benches in an open car are a mixed blessing. At SVRy we have always had them, but have had difficulties finding the best place to put them. At first we placed them in the middle of the car, parallel with the centerline. The idea was that the passengers could set and look out the side. This worked except that many of them prefered to stand, which blocked the view of those setting. It also made it difficult for the crew to pass through the car. Presently our rider gons have the benches along the sides, again parallel with the center line. This allows access for the crew but the riders who prefer to stand have nothing to hang on to. With "K" brakes and freight car draft gear this creates a potential hazzard. Placing the benches perpendicular to the sides aleviates the safty issue, but cuts the capacity somewhat and you have the problem of people standing in front of those setting again.
I agree though that five hours is a long time to stand, especially in a lurching railroad car.