Taylor,
You can't base it all on one person. You met the author of "Stairway to the Stars," who is a bit of a character. I bet if you talked to other folks, they'd have a different feel about it. We were always noted for being friendly and helpful. Cab rides were doled out all the time. I suggest you talk to Steve Howes and some of the other folks from up there and you'd get a different picture.
Skip Luke
Switchman (ret): Grand Canyon Railway;
Engineer (ret): Georgetown Loop RR Inc., Sumpter Valley Ry., Monticello & Sangamon Valley;
Dispatcher(ret): Illinois Central, White Pass & Yukon, Burlington Northern Ry.
Mariner, Musician, Miner