Re CPL(A) versus CPL(H)
I was thinking exactly the same thing. I was seriously considering rotary but as the costs are so astronomical it would be financially stupid of me to try and squeeze every penny out of my bank with loans etc that I wouldn't be able to live at all. I will probably go for fixed wing and in a few years get my PPL(H) and fly helos for fun.
I'm not looking at Fixed wing as a second prize as my ambition is to fly for a living. I spent many hours in Helos whilst in the Navy and that is where I got the helo bug. But apart from the excitement of sitting behind a nutter before being kicked out of the helo into the cold north atlantic I just loved being in the air.
I have found that I can get most of the way to CPL(A) with the money I have (inc night rating, multi engine, ground school etc) and can barely get half way though hours building after PPL(H) if I go down the rotary route.
Shame but true!!