I just read an article in Airliners last night. They had a "special issue" on regionals. Piedmont was one they highlighted. Talking to the CEO of Piedmont, he says they will be around for a long time to come. They seem to be looking for replacements for their Dash 8s however they can't fly the Q400s because of the contract clause with the pilot union. Right now they can only fly up to 68 passenger plane (the Q400 holds 76 I think). It will be interesting to see what they come up with.

If you get a chance and your at your local Barnes & Noble, it's a good issue. They talk about American Eagle, Skywest and a few more..(I haven't gotten there yet).