rotorpilot, agree with almost all of your comments regarding rear ramp advantages except one point. my stepdad, a two tour combat vet from vietnam said to me once, no matter what you do never go into a LZ in a ****hook, charlie knows damn well 20 guys are going to run out the back door, take the slick, at the very least you shoot back on your way in.
i would say wise words from a voice of experience.
dr