Flying is a better deal unless what you're interested in is the train ride. Unfortunately, if you want a train ride between Chicago and the east coast, all that's available is flex meals and high bucket sleepersBoth serve Flex meals and have No Lounge, and have High Bucket Sleepers!
Flying is a much better deal IMO. YMMV.
On the Cap, they usually let you hang out in the Cross Country Cafe between meals.
I've hung out in the Cafe car of the Cardinal, and the Lake Shore Limited plates the flex meals for better service, and I think there's a full cafe car for hanging out.