I think the original comment was intended as humour. You know, a joke, something funny, which is not necessarily true...
I think Flatspin_Fumble's remark was also lighthearted as he hinted at the fact that in a strict sense, a jet like the E170/190 is always jet-assisted at take-off
I should have used "RATO" instead, but I thought "JATO" was better known (althought "JATO" is also used in the context of jets, not only props).
Anyway, it appears that without some nice rockets bolted to the wings, the E190 cannot make it to places like FCO, MAD, ARN, HEL, WAW or VIE with a full load. That is if the 500-600nm perimeter is correct.