The 88 just needs a three volume cross reference for cold weather operations, EEC's, FADEC, modern avionics, servos, GPS, a Flight Engineer, better brakes, effective hydraulic system, new engines and a new wing. Other than that, it's almost a Boeing. I'm surprised there isn't a 10 page MDXX thread somewhere.
The AirTran guys tell me the MD95/717 fixed a lot of the Mad Dog's quirks and it flies like the DC9-30.
All that having been said, I like the 88. It is comfortable, quiet and keeps you involved. It is a work horse and surprisingly efficient for a jet with a Type Certificate issuance date of 1962. Figure most of the design work and cockpit layout was set up a half century ago.