Tigerfish,
As a 70 something with more than 40 years flying experience in a wide variety of machines, I can assure you that I do not have an axe to grind concerning the V-22. You are correct in that I have had more that 20 years of affiliation with a Sikorsky. Any concerns that I have expressed with the V-22 fleet are purely grounded with the safety of those that operate this machine. I take it personally when those I knew and flew with have been lost in any mishap regardless of the aircraft type. I also experienced the degradation of the CH-53 fleet as the V-22 absorbed funds sorely needed to support fleet readiness throughout the Navy and Marines. The V-22 is here to stay as a military aviation asset. I do hope that any issues with the fleet are rectified and the its operators experience a long safe life.