Nice review! Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree that what attracts me to the CRJ is the mix of old & new as you mentioned. And, the idea of shorter legs and smaller regional airports to appreciate MSFS’s stunning scenery.
There is still however a satisfying amount of automation to keep people from drowning in too much study, however it’s totally recommended for those unfamiliar with the CRJ, as you mentioned.
For example, handling the bleeds is fairly automated on the 700 where the older 200, you had to select on/off different bleed “stages” at different times during the flight. Starting most FADEC equipped jet engines is almost a non-event and totally simple for the CRJ as well.
Where the study will come to play is in the avionics, autopilot, and pilotage. As I understand it, the CRJ autopilot has the ability to include the coupled VNAV yet that is a rarity for line-flying CRJs and one had better get used to climbing and descending using SPEED and VS. The lack of an auto-throttle, as in the real aircraft, may throw folks as well but it’s super satisfying getting your cruise and descent speeds dialed in and also while managing your approach speeds.
You feel like you are piloting the CRJ, not managing computers. I love my Airbus but this will be an aircraft folks will feel a sense of accomplishment when they get it just right, I’m sure.