With low expectations I had my first flights on the CRJ-705 YYZ-IAH and return this week. I sat in the front part of Y. The seats were roomy and comfortable. It was incredibly quiet. The windows were in the right place. The IFE, including maps, worked, not like on the 777. The 2+2 seating beats all larger planes and the quick loading and unloading were another plus. This seemed better than the E190 in many ways and the old CRJ models are not in this league.
Given the scope and connectivity of UA @ IAH, was always surprised that AC mainline never returned.