On the back of this thread I took the plunge and flew the 717 yesterday!
It was one of only 3 western commercial jets that i hadn’t flown, so this was an opportunity not to miss! (the other two being the Dassault Mercure and VC10).
Gotta say, LOVED the business class seats! So much better than the 737 version… lots of legroom, generous recline.
Several of the crew on the incoming flight, and on my flight, were on their last flight on the 717. Service was outstanding.
So thanks to the OP for posting. Not sure when I would have got the chance to fly one.
(Followed this up on the onwards leg with an a220… how shall I say… a somewhat ‘different’ set-up with row 3 being directly aside from the main cabin!)