SASless,
Thanks ever so much for your insightful analysis of helicopter operations and those of us who fly for a living in the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks also for your concern about our vision.
Single engine operations automatically entail a certain degree of additional risk, however, the reliability of todays turbine engines makes the risk acceptable under certain conditions. If your primary objection to the way we do things in the GoM is based on our extensive use of single-engine machines, then I submit your concern is misplaced.
There are a number of initiatives in progress which will enhance safety in the long run, not the least of which is acquisition of new, more capable aircraft.
There have been significant improvements made over the past five years, with more to come. Things are changing, though perhaps not rapidly enough to suit you.
-Stan-