Ok, lots of info (which I appreciate), but I don't really need help chosing a type of aircraft, what I need is someone willing to LEASE one, which somewhat difficult for piston twins (no problem for turbine, obviously.
340's are appopriate for this need because the client would best be served by something that is reasonably fast and can take a pilot +3 pax, which a 340 w/ Ram upgrades or VG's can do just fine. 340's are not worth as much as equivelent 414's, and therefore should be cheaper to lease.
As for your problems with the Navajo, I hear much more good info on cost of operating than bad. The Baron is OK (we are renting one right now), but a sceneca III would not be much slower on most trips, and has KNOWN icing. Plus they are significantly cheaper to operate, more comfortable for pax, and I hate the pre-'84 throw-over yoke in the barron (barons after '84 are big $$$).
As for the Duke, I agree, operating costs are horible, and frankly I don't think it's that fast. Plus short fields are a problem. Good payload, though.
Anyway, anyone know of a twin for lease?
Erik