Originally Posted by Gone Flying

you are paid (roughly) by how large the plane you fly is. 717 pays less than a 737 which pays less than an A330. Delta connection is not flying 737s, they are flying planes less than 1/2 the seat count. ( all 3 legacies cap RJs at 76 seats, 737 carries ~180) Just like Air France regional or air Nordstrom.

also a significant reason you mentioned is bankruptcy, prior to post 9/11 bankruptcies most majors heavily limited RJs in general but specifically those with more than 50 seats.