I really care about High-Speed Rail. So relaxing to travel if you don't have to drive or rush through airport security and all the hassle. I don't think the peninsula corridor is all that important, but maybe it makes a difference for acceptance of a new concept.
Still I believe upgrading and extending BART to San Jose Diridon station would make more sense. Run fast Baby Bullets to make a seamless transition to High-speed rail; and you should be fine.
Build the thing, the central valley sorely needs it. Even I need it to get to L.A. while reading a book, or working on my laptop, getting up and moving, not stressing out. Don't waste money on side issues.
Raise the gas taxes, require caltrans to raise money for its individual projects, instead of just funding it, give tax deductions for donations to the project, accept small donations over the internet, anything to make it work. Stop the suburban mega-developments in L.A. and SF.; connect the central valley; create livable, smaller places, without isolating them from the big centers.