This was said circa 1999 before the explosive proliferation of RJ's that would end up taking nearly half of all US mainline flying.

“The results of passenger surveys over the past couple years have convinced airline executives that when passengers ride feeder airlines, they will go on the feeder that has RJ’s. No jets, no passengers, no feed for the “Big Iron”. Right now United’s feeders are way behind other airlines in terms of firm orders for RJ’s, causing United to be less competitive as the customer’s preference for the next few years.

In my opinion, we have to have feeder jets, soon. If we start to lose customers because we are still operating props, then the “Big Iron” flights become marginally profitable. The feeders become less profitable in their relationship with United and either demand a bigger share of the price of the ticket or move on to another larger airline. I would like to see the customers kept happy.”

On a separate note, how did SWA ever survive without the "me too" of adding regional jets?