If they can find something edible, I don’t think I hate the idea of not returning to the full diners on one night trains. On multi day Trips? It’s a must, for me.
But while I rave about the downgrade in service level, honestly on the Eastern trains, other than something decent for breakfast, I really don’t care too much. It was rare I would eat dinner out of Washington or New York anyway going South, as I almost always ate a decent meal before boarding. And getting off most times in Birmingham, I generally skipped lunch too, and just ate when I got in. If I was going all the way from New York, to Miami, or New Orleans, maybe I’d feel differently.
Same goes with the Capitol or Cardinal. It’s too short, for me to really need a full diner. Something quick, light, and GOOD would be fine for me. I do think, having only a single food service car will largely eliminate the freedom to get out of the room as often, as there will be much less common area space. That, I kinda hate. With bedroom prices through the roof, I’ve been in roomettes most of the time, and am looking foreword to them opening the cafe seating up. That can’t happen soon enough for me.
But...,Sea/LA to Chicago? That, needs a real diner. I had quit taking the train, flying most of last month, and planned to continue. But reading, that they’re putting then meals back on board, I booked a trip SEA-CHI, and then CHI-NOL, and NOL-BHM in June. Wouldn’t have done that, without the return of a real diner on the Builder.
That said, these flex meals are terrible, and need to be improved upon. Especially the breakfast. And I think they can do it. I hope they do.
Maybe if Amtrak reduces its LD network to the level at which VIA has its, we might actually get good service some day 
