Ok lets talk some specifics. After some time now of Flybe crews flying over the Alps in the Q400 to MXP, why did it take an ex Bacon Q400 crew to refuse? Because no published drift down (not far to drift down anyway from FL250 to 18,200') and no drop down masks in the cabin (no option of immediate descent to FL100 unless you want to be buried at Mont Blanc). Why does it take Bacon experience to work out such obvious factors? Who wants to cross the Alps at 25000' or less (depending on local qnh) anyway - nobody in their right mind. Will be great fun dodging the CB's and TS later in the year.
Would it really be a step down from flying the 145, really?
Yes - afraid so. Glad I'm not around for too much longer - good luck everybody, you'll certainly need it with these cowboys. Bugspeed I'm with you.