Know that this really isn't related to the accident but with so many Q400 guys reading this would be interesting to get views. What is your view of the Dash's AFCS with regards to 'Alt Sel' and it's Function/Selection. No problem, User error or design flaw?
Q400 CA, here. When I upgraded into the Q from the CRJ, and was briefed on the operation of the AFCS regarding altitude capture, I believe my comment was, "You've GOT to be sh*tting me!" The airplane has many other features that are similarly behind the times. The only possible rationale, in my view, is the maintenance of a common type rating with the previous Qs, thus making the thing easier to pitch to the beancounters (although we don't fly more than one variant per pilot at QX).
Regarding landing the Q, I think it is actually easier to make consistently nice landings than it was in the jet. We carry a bit of power, flare to no more than about 5 degrees, and voila, no sweat!