We have taken sleepers many times each in Continental Europe, UK (Caledonian), Scandinavia, the US, and Japan. It is kind of a hobby. Back in the old days we weren't above using the layflat seats in first class compartments for sleeping as did other passengers. It still remains a possibility for being on the train for long trips or for saving time and a night in a hotel and avoiding the time and hassle of navigating airports. I agree with the fact that a sleeper compartment is hardly competitive with an actual hotel and can be expensive. It would also seem that it may be more and more difficult to economically support this kind of service.