It seem to me that throughout bmi Regional's entire existence that their requirements in terms of crew and aircraft have always conflicted with bmi Group policies. Whenever they need more of either they're prevented from having them. Perhaps they would be better off out of the bmi Group.
Humm, well not the full picture. If they were still independent (assuming they had survived as Business Air which I think would NOT have been the case) they'd still be flying props to Shetland and night freights...joy
The problem with the short notice is nothing to do with Bmi and everything to do with Regional management.
I'd assume things will stay a little quiet for the next few months until the dust settles.