First the 'detour', I have no detail on Imperial but recall my Great Aunt speaking of the flights and how wonderfully fast they were. As I recall from 30 years ago ...
Train from Waterloo to Southampton.
Flight to South of France
Flight to Italy
Flight to Eqypt
Flight to Lake Victoria
Flight to North or South Rhodesia (a river)
Flight to Vaal Dam
For her, train on to Cape Town. At one time, I think they did continue to Table Bay but I'm not sure.
I sit to be corrected on those night stops. But everyone then had their bags carried into the hotel and then dressed for dinner in Black Tie. Best place to ask about this is in:
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia-86/
Back to the thread title:
The modern SLF experience is what it is. No one can be in any doubt as to what they are going to get, both on the ground or in the air. As in most things, by the application of more money, the experience can be made nicer. Most people I know prefer to pay less money and get to the destination, accepting that it will not be much fun. I expect no improvement in the situation in my lifetime.