Ark :
The R22 can be safely autoed by low time pilots. How else do they pass their GFTs ? Even I can do it and I'm lower time than most !!
If the a/c has low RPM even with a 12 stone bod in it and the lever full down, that's a rigging problem - difficult to detect on a pre-flight, and not really related to certification unless the design ( and here's a nod in Lu's direction ) the certification is flawed.
Tell you one thing, it makes you very quick at getting the lever down - that's something that can only help in ANY type you fly. I remember seeing a story about a Super Puma reaching 70% Nr in a flight test - if I find the reference I'll post it.
Lastly - have you ever flown a Robbie ? If you're talking from personal experience that's fine, otherwise I'd be only too happy to give you a jolly to find out for yourself.