Helicopter records don't mean much unless you can use them to make money.
Landing on Everest won't occur too often, but doing so indicates a performance capability. One that is an economic draw. The same occurs with forward flight.
Flying backwards only has a minimal value. Very few operators need to routinely use the maximums, and attaining a higher maximum might not be an economic draw if it takes exceptional piloting skill to operate in that environment. I put this into the same category as the hours flown inverted or consecutive barrel rolls by an aerobatic fixed wing.
What I think should make helicopter headlines is consecutive maintenance free flying hours.
All that being said, I still hold in esteem those who pursue these records because doing so could expand the capabilities of our machines.
Matthew.