rramjet
I agree with your views on landing the 146 and its strengths. indeed the only weakness I found was the engines early on circa 1989...
it is technique, precision of flying the approach, right on target speed and plunk onto the runway and not the last third either!
I flew into and out of a short runway airport in northern california...amazing takeoff performance (flaps 24 if memory serves) and we were easily off and clearing 50' in less than 1800feet of ground roll.
Landing, we never quite used a max effort for pax comfort, but certainly less than 2200' to complete stop.
when well maintained and properly flown, this type offers unique capabilities, but it is not a helicopter.
Why get rid of arrestor beds? My guess is that if you used one, you would have some repair bills, if you went off into designated over run that was normal concrete, you would have shame...or disaster!
Money is the answer. (again only a guess!)