From now until next spring, the cars that are being used as buffers would be sitting idle anyways, as long distance trains are shorter over the winter.
When the summer demand returns, it does make sense to use VIA's sleepers as revenue cars and something else as buffers.
Perhaps there are castoffs on other properties that are still structurally acceptable, and still have wheels and bogies and draft gear in usable condition. The only issues might be HEP compatibility and perhaps a need for marker lights. Certainly, as unoccupied buffer cars, that option might be doable without spending money to refurb anything.
We would need to know whether VIA does have the funding and intention to do a 15-year life extension on the long distance fleet.
As to LRC replacement - by next spring, we may have enough Venture sets in service to mitigate the LRC deficit somewhat.
- Paul