As I understand it, the 700 is the only aircraft that has available performance, single engine, to economically operate out of ASE, I'm sure the 175 could do it empty, but that's a moot point. Also, it's not a matter of drift down (any pilot should have that number readily found in performance manuals), it's a matter of proving via engineering data, to the FAA, that your jet, your crews can escape those big ass mtns...Mtn flying experience, drift down analysis have little to do with ASE, it's the data and the training program, which cannot be transferred with aircraft or borrowed, it must come from in house and be proven, which is something, I've been told, PSA doesn't have the capacity for at this time.
Also, ASE is extremely profitable route for AAG, a route they put a lot of money upfront for, they will absolutely delay a fleet transfer to preserve that...just trying to whittle down the BS and find out if the word on the line is valid...