I agree with you that middle class are travelling by 3AC or upgraded from SL as incomes and comfort levels, aspirations of the middle class are increasing. IR should have a norm of AC coaches for SF and normal trains that half should be AC and another non AC apart from SLR to cater all sections of travellers My preferred config is 8-10AC according to route and 7SL + 3 GS for an LHB rake when they are no AC trains between the two stations and if ful AC trains are there then SL should increase by 2 and AC decreased by 2 coaches. Fare increase in our country irrespective of Govt is not welcome by citizens of this country.