EGTE,
If you've ever flown on a DHC7 in turbulent conditions! I did it one morning, low level, between PLH and NQY, it was comparable to being inside a tumble dryer, I can't imagine anyone raving about wanting to travel on a DHC7!
Perhaps FlyBE (AF) could pick-up on a NQY-EXT-CDG service for international connecting passengers from the South West, alas I don't believe FlyBE have any equipment capable of operating in/out of PLH.
I'm aware that Jim French knows his stuff, I worked with him at Air UK.