TICU,
Word has it that the RAF pilot appointer has over a hundred qualified pilots from the other Services wanting to get into the RAF to fly helicopters. Of those over 60 are AAC pilots who can clearly see some greener grass!
The RAF isn't really 'short' of pilots, thats why it's not had to take up many of these applications. The only thing that they are becoming very short of is experience due to the increased turnover rate.
Regarding whether the RAF is "jealous" of the Apache, I'm sure there are few pilots who wouldn't want to fly it. This perception of jealousy is fuelled by the general belief that the Apache may be too complex for the REME and some of the AAC pilots and consequently it will take a very long time to generate a good operational capability - it doesn't mean that only the RAF could make it work!!
Look at the Americans; they keep their Apaches flying and some of their crews have a good capability, however, these are in the minority - remember Kosovo. They have hundreds and hundreds of ac but what's their serviceability rate?
What will have to change (and people at the top know it) are some of the attitudes in the AAC, particularly the Soldier First.... blah.