Looks like a "float down the RWY and hit it accidentaly" technique. Not a good Idea if you have to land on 4000feet strips regulary.
Porter airlines is based in Toronto island with a 4000ft rwy...they do it all the time...
The main reason the Embraer can cost (very broadly) the same as the Q400 is because it is half the size, especially the Emb-135. So while your costs can be comparable you cannot get the same revenue.
Not true! Where are getting your info from? Size does not mean anything!
The EMB 145 has one of the highest CASM in the industry...the 135 is the highest! It's actually worse to use the 135.....
That's why most operator where trying to get rid of them! Same with the CRJ-200...
There are a lot of ERJ-145 out there looking for a home....you can get them for real cheap...but can you make a buck off of them?? Only if you have consistent revenues & solid ticket prices!