Lite,
The simple answer to the 146 debate is that lease rates for this aircraft are at rock bottom. You need only take a drive past Exeter Airport and you'll find at least 10 there awaiting new homes. Yes it may be more expensive to operate than 717's for example but the extra cost of leasing these aircraft far outways the savings in day to day operation. Flybe know the 146 inside out from the maintenance point of view and this is also very valuable to the airline.
Glynn,
Flybe are NOT solely a point to point airline in the same ilk as Easyjet, at least not yet!!! There is no question that it is far more efficient to operate without connecting passengers and this has been mooted in the past for Flybe. At present Flybe will still interline you with any of their partner airlines at LGW such as Virgin/Delta/Continental, but how much longer this will be for is debateable.
The franchise with Air France is still alive and Flybe will look to extend the current contract for the BHXCDG route when it comes up for renewal. Remember it is Flybe that own the rights to operate this route...NOT Air France.
My final point is that Flybe are not trying to be a low cost airline....THEY ARE A LOW COST AIRLINE!!! infact the 3rd largest in the UK....why not just accept this fact!. They have a larger advertising spend than both Easyjet and Ryanair in the national press and passengers numbers are emphasising this. Flybe are doing very well thank you!