I speak from a near death experiance! Ice and airplanes, helicopters, birds, and insects don't mix!!!!
Please note: FAR 91.527 listed above applies to "Large and Turbine Powered Multiengine Airplanes" not small aircraft. FAR 91.9 (a) prohibits flight without complying with aircraft operating limitations. It's the flight manual that prohibits flight in icing conditions, or takeoff with ice/frost adhearing to the aircraft.
I know the last paragraph was knit picky. You made the right choice!