407,
I had that very argument last week with an Austrian EMS/Mountain Rescue pilot.....and he in no uncertain terms defended the mirror as the right way to do "Short Haulling". I suggested the bubble window and eyeball methos worked a charm too but he would not even consider it.
He did say they use a remote controlled mirror and maintained radio contact with the meat on the string for verbal assistance.
Having done VR as we do it in this part of the world....I lean towards that as being the easier way by far.
But....then our friends from across the saltwater divide have been known to make things difficult. But that being said....if it works for them.....fair dinkum!