Preservation of the trademark 'Metroliner', or 'Wikabratz', or whatever name, by operating a vehicle with the wording on it doesn't make sense because it presumes that the 9800 is being run at a time and place when an observer, specifically somebody who works with trademark law administration, will be present along the route or be riding inside. If no somebody who works with trademark law administration observes the rail vehicle with the 'Metroliner' name is not present to observe, record, and register somewhere of it's active use and thus preservation, is it the same as if Amtrak never stencils the name on it? What's the difference?
As for the debate (if there is one) about calling non-Acela Amtrak N.E. Corridor trains Metroliners, I note the sentiment against it since what are now known as NE Regionals don't offer the same level of on board service as the Metroliners.
But I see the glass as half full: I thought the most stand-out-there aspect of them was the high speeds. NE Reg runs at 125mph, so that's one check mark for what they have in common. They both used Metroliner/Amfleet type cars, so there's another. The seating of both are now comparable to each other: cushy lean backs with folding trays, only difference is the foot rests.
I don't know whether or not Amtrak is going this way, but if they were, they get a thumbs up from me: I think the name 'Metroliner' is way superior over the lengthy tongue-twister 'Northeast Regional', and it won't likely cause confusion. Because Acela has been out for 12 years and regular Metroliner service ended in the early last decade, except for the time the Acela breaks were cracking. So if the mindset of the public market has no squabbles, then the only thing left is benefit. And besides, many of the present business class Amfleet I's with 2-1 seating can easily be resprouted into a Club (or call it First) class service just by purchasing some uniforms and having the cafe attendant remade into Club Cafe attendant. So the way I see it, going to 'Metroliner' can only bolster Amtrak's perception by gaining use of a brand that evokes positive thoughts, on trains that ran with its equipment.
Imagine a Northeast Corridor with Acelas, Metroliners, and Keystones (along with the Virginia trains, and the long distance Crescent and Florida Silver Star/Meteor).
I like your thinking, and couldn't agree more. And with the NER's being as crowded as they are of late, I for one would love the option of 2-1 seating, an attendant, and NOT the super-high price of the ACELA. Same speed (obviously) as NER, but 2-1 seating, service at your seat, and perhaps cocktails included, but not food? Anyway, seems at least on the NEC, there is room for three classes. (of course if you did this, you could eliminate Biz class-
less on the NER, just run a NER every
other hour, and a newly re-branded
Metroliner on the opposite hour.............)
And I'd like to see the Nite Owl return with a sleeper too,....................... OUCH, I just banged my head against a wall, AGAIN.....
I was on that last run, along with Trogdor. Anthony was supposed to join us, but got hung up getting to Boston's South Station and therefore missed the connecting train to NY. 
