As an observer of the industry and non-flyer, I think that BAe had the problem of being first mover into a new area. I sit to be corrected but the Whisper Jet filled a niche market for Europe and showed the way for mini-jet a/c. Others promtly came along and made more that were cheaper and being later) had more refinements. Also, having been produced for a niche market that required STOL, selling into Australia, Africa and the Americas was always going to be difficult. On the engine side, I understand that the fule flow is similar to a 737-300 but you have higher maintenance and few pax. As I say, correct if wrong.
A comparison might be with Renault who created the modern People Carrier with the Espace. Before that, it was only VW and their Kombi had long since become a narrow market. But now, I don't think that Renault could be considered to be leading the market in the People Carrier design.
For what it's worth, I am always happy to be a 146/RJ and have never been subjected to the a/c oil intake probs that they had at one time.
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"I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.