Good points, Tees, although some really nice belly clearance is also part of the right mix. 12 inches of clearance is tight, and 18+ inches is about right for rocky work. Often, wheeled helos are skimpy on belly clearance, probably a bias toward paved ramp activities worked into their assumed mission needs,
Regarding sinking, anti-sink plates on skids work very well, as do bear pads on wheels (just don't retract them!!)