My experience with the PHL-EWR service has been flawless so far <knock on wood> but I have to say service to BOS and DCA are hit or miss... although more miss than hit. Because of that, I use the Acela in place of flying through the corridor.

Whether it's meal time or not, I always get a great meal (sometimes two when traveling northbound), the service is decent, and I can use my broadband service throughout the entire journey while being plugged in to a good powersupply. I love flying, but I've found short hops around EWR just aren't worth the headaches and expense when the Acela is around as a reasonable, affordable alternative... even in 1st class.