I was on a flight last month while they waited an hour for cx pax... including me! I found out later that had I missed that flight, I actually would have had my upgrade on my protection (next flight) actually clear

ENIAC: As far as the CRJ weights goes, the thing is actually quite a beast. 85 degrees in DEN is remarkable in that it cranks up a factor called "density altitude." Density altitude is a performance reference that takes into account true elevation, temperature, and pressure. I've posted on that before, so try a search for it. Throw that in with some forecasted weather at the destination that may require a maximum fuel load, and it's pretty much an instant bump-fest... and you won't even have to have that many bags either! I can think of other reasons to avoid the a/c, but operationally it is a solid aircraft. For the most part, you can load whatever you want and it will fly.