Does the F27-050 compare on appearance and performance with the ATR42, the DHC8 and/or the S2000? ... No it does not!
Well the Saab 2000 had amazing performance and sold next to zero. The Fokker 50 is comparable to the DHC8-300 but not the DHC8-Q402 which is the
NG version. So you should not compare the Fokker 50 to the current DHC8 as they're a generation apart. VLM had an excellent reputation and seat pitch to match, much better than the equivalent flybe Q402. In the minds of many, they're both just WWII bomber conversions sadly.
I don't see CityJet lasting too long after stepping out from under AF/KL, I will also be surprised if BMI Regional make it through the summer.