The general point here is that the sightseeing and lounging/space amenities are a critical part of the rider experince on our long distance trains, and any new design needs to address that requirement..
I have taken enough single-night sleeper rides in various routes and countries where I barely raised the blinds, except for the last hour in the morning coming into the destination city, and never felt cheated. For a trip across this continent, I would want much better.
I'm taking the Ocean in a few weeks - first time for me without a dome - I admit being a bit apprehensive, and will be interested whether the lounge space is sufficient to "enjoy" the route especially for the daytime run towards Halifax. I'm not sure that a Ren car window and bench seat are really up to the mission - but Superliner, Viewliner, and HEP I berth and roomette spaces all seem to be enjoyble enough.
I don't know carbody construction well enough to know whether the CP domes are grandfathered or whether they meet the prevailing construction specs. Certainly the Skylines and Park Cars have shown no signs of wearing out faster than the single level cars, so I presume that their mode of construction is as robust as a standard single level railcar. So, if the new design proves to be single level, perhaps some iteration of dome space might be within budget even if it's a specialised adaptation of the main spec. If the design is bilevel, I sure hope something better than Amtrak Superliner lounges can be found.... they are not a favourite.
All a matter of personal taste, of course.
- Paul