Tennisguru summarized things nicely. At this point the only reasons I can think of to bid 73/320 are the extra pay and better variety of flying. But that variety of flying is also what allows the optimizer to almost completely eliminate credit from most trips by building some really brutal days. It is very common to see 8+ hour block and 12+ hour duty days on the 73/320, but barring major delays you will never see that on the 717. Plus, like he pointed out, oftentimes those smaller city regional-style overnights that the 717 does are more enjoyable than the big city overnights. Usually the van ride is shorter, the people are more normal, and the food and beer are cheaper.

I'm currently a 73 FO and have always been opposed to the multiple short leg trips on the 717, but lately they are starting to look a lot more appealing than the marathon days I have been doing. A 717A bid may be in my future in the Aug AE.