I've been flying dash 8's for too many years...
The main advantage of the high wing is the ground clearance, but also it allows the cabin to be closer to the ground (less stairs for commuter aircraft). Other than the max bank angle, I'm not aware of any advantage/disadvantage for crosswind but there is less ground effect in the flare.
Increasing the number of prop blades allows the prop to absorb (convert to thrust) more power for a given diameter. Smaller diameter is better at high speed (due to compressibility at the blade tip), but more blades tend to create interference and lose efficiency.
Good luck, and maybe your company will buy dash 8's soon!