I think you have to look at long-distance train travel as sort of a mini-cruise. I find them very enjoyable. I used to have trouble falling asleep on the trains, but now I sleep quite well on them. I bring my own personal supply of adult beverages and some snacks. I'm going to download the Sirius/XM app on my phone and listen to that(realizing that there are gaps in cell coverage between Martinsburg, WV and Pittsburgh). I usually also bring an analog AM/FM Sony pocket radio. If I'm going in the middle of the week, I'll bring my laptop and some work papers.
The dining car staff can be quite gruff and off-putting; generally, the sleeping car attendants are quite good, and I generally tip them $20 when I get to my destination.