GLS,
Has any single-engine helicopter flight ever been cancelled due to "sea-state issues"....ever....in the Gulf of Mexico? I am not talking about wind or turbulence or rain but sea state alone?
Can a pilot look at the customer, tell them "NO" and get backing from his company safety, operations, and management?
Do you have first hand information that it ever happened? Do you have any second or third hand knowledge of that ever happening?
You are correct when you say it is legal....I decline to accept the statement that it is a matter of judgement. I would suggest the pursuit of money has put safety well down in priorities in this situation.