I guess I somewhat got lost in your essay, so forgive me if I didn't put 3 and 4 together to make seven.
I do think that theorizing about the Commission being in total charge of things next year is a little premature at this juncture. If it should happen someday, then yes, I agree they should have some sound minds formulate engine maintenance etc. That person will likely be their CMO, just as the RGRPC has had a CMO!
And no I don't think the commission is listening at this point.
The book sounds interesting...Both the SF engine the N&W ones are ones I have seen examples of in operation, with the N&W in regular service when I was a kid, as I live along the former N&W.
Greg Scholl (not Raven)