Corax you are absolutely right about the 101 - it was designed as a heliliner with rig transfers in mind and has been bastardised and marketed as everything from ASW to SH. The RN seem to like it but probably because the avionics and software are good - the recent grounding may have taken the shine off the airframe for them.
Sadly the harsh reality of the British Military is that we will continue to write blank cheques for BAesystems and Westlands despite the indifferent and very costly products they provide. So, much as I congratulate Nick and the boys for getting the contract, I am saddened by the knowledge that we will get the Cormorant as our Sea King replacement instead of the S92.