I am very skeptical that the current CHSRA version of hsr could be profitable. And I doubt any private capital could be attracted without taxpayer guarantees.

You would get no static from me about the Tehacahapis route if were bereft of the shortcomings of the Grapevine. But it has exactly the same drawbacks, 3.5% ruling gradient, seismic exposure, and expensive tunnels, and is considerably longer. Travel times wouild be slower and there is more trackage to maintain.

And AFAIK Bakersfield and Fresno to LA via a branch to the Grapevine-I5 main would still be faster than thru the Tehachapis. The Palmdale diversion looks to be a big mistake to me.