What a well rounded last post!
I'm afraid some peolpe look at their aircraft they fly as some form of extension to their body! The Q400 has its faults and some very good things about it. I guess it ain't as much a pilots aeroplane as the 146. BUT it is doing what the bean counters wanted so its ok in my book. Yes I fly it so I'm biased. But I fly aeroplanes cos I enjoy it. I could'nt care a flying fa**y what it is I fly as long as it fun......the Q400 is very much that. I see it as the 757 of the turboprop world, long and thin with long legs and two big pairs......!
If people were that fed up with it, then why do we still fill the seats? Yes a lot of people get on and think, blimey whats this thing? They generally get off and say, that was a really nice flight. And they love the cabin as its small enough to feel like a familiar sociable environment.
Granted, some pilots just don't have a feel for an aircraft and fly it like a robot. If you are sympathetic with it, you can get smooth results in the cabin for the pax. Just takes a little thought from up front.
Above all, it makes money which keeps me employed, for which I am truly grateful. Shame others could'nt admit it.
Oh and MOR if and when you do fly the thing, just remember, you will be on a jet salary flying a turboprop...............oh no! How lucky you are sir!