Wouldn't it be far cheaper and quicker to put in an automatic switch on one end and a spring or automatic switch at each siding of decent length?

Islands of CTC are definately a value, but are they the most efficient expenditure unless the intent is to add full CTC, which is expensive?

The plan might be to eventually install full PTC as components become available that provides cab signal indication only keeping minimum following distances in place of intermediate signals. I believe this was part of the original promotion for PTC. Doesn't the new Utah commuter agency use an early version of PTC without intermediate signals?

If you do eliminate intermediate signals, what signal indication would you get if you were following another train? If the train ahead is a safe distance ahead of you, the absolute signal leaving the last control point shouldn't give you a clear, unless its indication only applies through the control point. I guess there could be an aspect giving an indication like the old manual block or eastern DTC where you are allowed to follow another train that was protecting against following trains.