You are correct, and it seems like 90% of the line pilots don't get that.

1997....RJ LOA that allowed 50 seaters on the property. (they were already at Comair and Eagle)

C2000....expanded the number of 50 seaters allowed, but still capped.

C2003....changed "small jet" definition to 70 seats and 80,000 lbs. Approved by ratification of the pilots...in bankruptcy (Dec 2002 - Feb 2006)

E170 side letter....allowed the EMB 170 to fit the definition of "small jet" as long as they were only operated with 70 seats.

Letter 03-17 Page 483
UNITED AIRLINES REWRITE 2003 ALPA
Let ter 03-17 Embraer 170
Captain Paul R. Whiteford, Chairman
UAL-MEC Air Line Pilots Association
6400 Shafer Court, Suite #700
Rosemont, IL 60018
Dear Paul,
In discussions leading up to the 2003 Agreement, the parties agreed that the Embraer
170, certificated to a maximum seating of seventy-eight (78), with a maximum gross
takeoff weight of less than eighty-two thousand one hundred (82,100) pounds would
be an exception to definition #22 of Section 1 of the 2003 Agreement. The Company
further commits that should one or more of our Feeder Carrier partners select this
aircraft for operation, it will not be configured for operation with more than seventy
(70) seats.
If this letter accurately reflects our agreement, please sign and return two (2) copies
for our file.

Ancient history, I know, but it kills me to hear...."PW gave away scope" or my FAVORITE...."UAL pilots SOLD out scope for pay".