I for one would rather have the frequency. I often fly to MDT and the availability of eight flights to connect through PHL makes the dash-8 somewhat tolerable. Most other airlines offer a few flights a day on RJs at times that are not convenient.

Yes PHL is a mess and you can sit in the departure line until you qualify for social security but this is what Tempe has determined will generate the most revenue for the airline. I for one would rather connect through PIT or CLT but market forces on some routes do not seem to support that.