I think most of OP's arguments are spot on, but I think it's likely to be an elevated system installed over the center divider of the (mostly very straight and

I think most of OP's arguments are spot on, but I think it's likely to be an elevated system installed over the center divider of the (mostly very straight and very flat) I-5 corridor. Tunneling that distance just isn't feasible at the stated cost. (I expound at greater length here: http://franking.tumblr.com/post/36241325898/my-personal-speculation-on-the-hyperloop http://franking.tumblr.com/post/36241325898/my-personal-spec...)