actually, since the Richmond Bridge is being written up as in need of replacement, extending SMART to a transfer to BART at ECDN is more feasible--harder to lie about briodge capacity if ordered to include rail from the get go.
Certainly agree about two man operation, except...until they get "C" cars, you can't have an A car with no human and no access to the rest of the train.
And, of course, a couple more passing sidings, and the necessary cars, would facilitate more frequent service.
All of this costs money, so voters/riders get asked to pony up.