Goodness! I'm sorry about that ending, but it sounds like an all right train journey. I've only been on a train during a pedestrian death once, but they're not rare. Lots of rail workers have PTSD because of them. The NY MTA has to provide special mental health services to drivers, because most of them have played a role in someone's death. I've actually done the Coast Starlight SF-LA in coach myself, and Portland-SF in a sleeper. The first class / sleeper setup is pretty fantastic. Until very recently, there were complimentary champagne and cheese tastings in first class. Now the federal government has specifically banned serving complimentary alcohol to rail passengers, so it costs $5 or something nominal. The wifi in the first class lounge is decent, as train wifi goes (better than the Northeast Corridor, anyway). There's a movie theater downstairs as well, though it mostly plays terrible Adam Sandler movies. I'm sorry you had that experience, but I hope you get to see Kevin again. Thanks for reporting!
One of the REALLY IRRITATING things about being in coach is the constant announcements of the great things that are available to the First Class and Sleeper passengers. The wine tasting will start in ten minutes. First class and sleeper passengers only. The movie will start in ten minutes. The attendant will take meal car reservations shortly. First class and sleeper passengers will have their choice. The rest of you can wait, and if we run out of food, we're very very sorry. Note the salmon and the chicken are gone. and then: We are stranded on the tracks for three hours. First class and sleeper car passengers will be airlifted out by helicopter, if you want. The attendant will come around and take your reservations. -- made that last bit up - but you get the idea.
Wow, I can't imagine that ever happening in Germany :D First class is just first class. More comfy seats, a coffee extra, the higher society of people that don't want to speak with you. Just first class. If they would start giving announcements like these, germans will start complaining. A lot.