Also on the Q400;
I agree, with the tyres inflated fully and the oleos at full pressure, the stalks of gear can make firm landings seem normal; flap 15 (when performance allows) and a little power on for the flare certainly makes for better landings. Osaka Joe sums it up nicely re crosswinds - the aicraft has to be absolutely straight with just the correct amount of wing-down as any sideslip will vibrate through the fuselage very unforgivingly!
All-in-all I like the Q400 very much, quick, excellent ROC, EFIS (not autothrottle but a good way towards airbus) and modern. Its true that we can get the toilet fumes though.
