Although, in the history of regional airlines, it isn't out of the question for one airline (esp. one going through contract negotiations, like RAH) to buyout another, so they can whipsaw the two pilot groups against each other.

However, RAH mgmt seems to have a pretty strong desire to do everything possible to have a 70+ pax fleet in the future. They're doing a smart and good job towards achieving that goal too, and it's a darned successful strategy. That 170 is a sweet machine (although we could argue about whether regional pilots should be flying it!!!).

I can't see RAH buying another fleet of old 145s...they have enough on the CHQ certificate. I'm not entirely sure, but wouldn't AA's scope prevent AA from subcontracting out flying to a 170 operator? I seem to remember that's why you never see a CRJ900 or E170 flying an American Connection flag.