"Yes, the D&S is longer and not as steep" aren't they only 45 miles or so?
"Right now for the C&TS, the same train set and crew only run one way from Chama to Antonito or vice versa" I'm having trouble understanding this. I rode opening day and I could have sworn that the only thing that went straight through terminal to terminal were the locomotives.
I guess I'm one who doesn't like change, right now things are working great and there is no need to try and do anything fancy at this point and time. Let the C&TSMC get some of the kinks worked out first.
For me, stopping at Osier for lunch is one of the many high points of the trip. Stephen Flowers and his crew do a wonderful job of preparing a nice meal and making sure all of the passengers get fed.