Thats a good question in general, 212. There was another renowned S-64 pilot Bob Brown who espoused the left front seat and had modifications made appropriate to using that location. I know, from experience with Larry at SA, that he was a master in the back seat, and assumed he kept using those electrical ( thru the S-64 AFCS ) rear facing seat controls ( except for the collective, which was mechanically connected to the ship’s mechanical control system ), and used the superior wide open view of what was going on right in front and below.
Erickson also continued the work started by a senior engineer at SA, Al Albert* in designing a structural element “ accessory “ : to the airframe to enhance the stability of the load vs the helicopter. Erickson’s designs were in house, I believe, modified by field experience, and reflected structural integrity and engineering excellence. Certainly have stood the test of time.
* Al was the S-67 design chief as well.