Flier2005,
No kidding...Why should there be limited on how many seats they fill?! And I concur, regionals use to be T-props only. The definition has changed somewhat over the years. (T-props to RJ's)
On a side note, the reason why they are operating a/c with more seats is because of money. Let me give you an example: My dad told me that in a 50-seat RJ, typically the first 20 seats pay for operating cost, fuel, the 'whole nine' and the last 30 seats are basically profit. RJ's operating cost/maint expenses/etc. cost just a little more then the equivelant sized T-prop commutor, BUT they have longer range, and get you there faster. Anyways, I could go on and on, but here's the bottom line...The more seats there are to fill, the more money. Companies like dollar signs!!!
Thats how I understand the whole gambit. If I am wrong, somebody please correct me.
D