...so apart from keeping a few pilots happy, why would they change?
I would imagine for the same reason anyone running a business makes a change: To make more money.
The Q400 is a very effective money maker. Further, the 'Regional Jet' rate of pay is already incorporated into the Sunstate EBA, and as a high profile Bombardier customer, migration to a future C Series order is certainly plausible.
The dots may never get joined, but they are certainly on the page for all to see.
Kingswood.