After doing some research on the range specifications of the Q400, I will eat some of my words. I didn't realize just how capable of an airplane it is! Though I will submit, I doubt operators would use it to the full extent of its range which according to BBD is in excess of 1,000nm. I believe its more efficient on shorter hops traditionally flown by turbo props. But then again, people probably thought the same about the CRJ years ago.

My original point was that just because it is stretched does not in and of itself take it out of the "regional" category. But its size AND performace taken together do and...I WAS WRONG! So there you have it for all those who want to sling mud my way...I beat you to it :P