… the wing was designed for high lift, which in turn created sub-optimal drag performance in the cruise.
Drag; not so much the wing section, but lack of sweepback, limited speed - by design; avoids the complexities of leading edge slats, which in turn allows manual vs hydraulic controls, trimable tail.
Flap noise was proportionate to speed; lower the better - thus F'boro, speed was 'managed'
Re Fokker competition; back-to-back fly off at Lugano. 146/RJ quieter, steep approach + LCY, engine out performance, cabin size / configuration.