Between Covid restrictions and Andersons' iron-handed PV rules and rates, the size of the AARPCO convention trains has really dwindled. Maybe 20 years ago, I happened upon the convention at Portland, OR and they had 20-25 cars there.
About 40 years ago, I had more money than these days and managed a couple of trips on Lehigh Valley 353 (now at Steamtown, I believe) with owner Dick Horstmann. On one trip, I even rode with William Gaines, creator of MAD Magazine! After chatting with him a while, it became abundantly clear that he was MAD Magazine and the magazine was him!
Riding on a PV is a luxury one can easily become accustomed to. But these days, lots of money is the prime requirement.