Agree with ExperimentalAB and JetJock. RJs are better for the longer haul if priced correctly. $x per seat mile means more money for the RJ over a longer distance where most of that longer distance will be in cruise where they really shine. That equals more profit.

Take that same $x per seat mile and use it on shorter trips and you have an aircraft that is burning a hole in the wallet trying to climb up to altitude at TO power before starting the decent. There is less distance to pull the power back to a more conservative setting as well. This is where T-props will shine.

While some T-props have longer distance they lack the speed of the jets. There's a reason why movies are around 2hrs in length. They miscalculated the initial Lord of the Rings movie by 20 minutes or something like that. Had they cut the film 20 min they could have shown it an additional time each day making substantially more money. Same goes for the RJ vs T-prop. While the T-prop might get from A to B more efficiently there is a point that once past an RJ, while less efficient, still becomes more practical since they can add an additional flight.

IAH-STL is a prime example. T-Props could make the flight but the RJ, due to speed, can make MORE flights in a day. Every flight is always overbooked so it's a money making leg.