As a former FO at flybe it has always impressed me how far the company had come from such humble roots - a couple of twin otters farting about down in the Channel Islands (and lets face it in quite a short period of time too). Given its morphing into what it has become today is it inconceivable that it might venture into longer haul operations.
True such a venture would involve a good dollop of trouble and strife on all levels (crewing, finances etc etc etc) - but as somebody who bore witness to the BACON takeover and its aftermath I can say that things simmer down, disgruntled people move on and in time stability (or what counts as stability in the aviation game) returns.
Just my thoughts, please feel free to rip them to shreds.........