Having flown it, and various other types, in a variety of demanding Operational environments I feel qualified to comment. Yes, it's not going to win a straight 'lift' competition; however, in terms of crash-worthiness it's right up there as well as being the most pilot-friendly helicopter in extremely poor weather that I've had the privilege of being in the cockpit of. For a fast, almost vibration-free poor weather rotary platform with a seriously capable FMS and auto-pilot I rate it extremely highly.