I disagree totally with your characterization of "railroaders" and their beliefs. When it comes to the NWP, the proponents and those willing to look the other way at all the shenanigans are almost 100% railfans, NOT railroaders. Serious, experienced railroaders know it's a pig in a sack with no future and walked away shaking their heads at this folly years ago.

Railfans, at least the most incorrigable of the species, are willing to allown almost anything to happen as long as it results in trains for them to take pictures of in their most desired locations. To them, the ends justifies the means, ad no facts will ever sully their fantasies.