Ryan2000,
There is a stark difference between ATR's and the TP fleet EI used to operate . 738's and 320's are fine for high yield-airport sectors but for the peripherals such as DUB-BHX,MAN, EDI, CWL, LPL, GLA etc etc. it doesn't make financial sense to operate such a large aircraft. Much cheaper to run a lower pax a/c on these lower yield, shorter sectors. It's costing Ryr a fortune to run DUB-ORK service. The only reason they're still running is because of RE competition. I Guarantee if RE pulled off the route in the morning, FR would follow suit almost immediately.
PS The new 500's are extremely fuel efficient too.
I see your point about competing with FR and EZY on the smaller routes but I still think there's a market there for RE operating for EI.
CP.