What's cutting edge about humping and dumping?
It always seemed a nonsense to me that SH was operated by the RAF to work for the Army. I know that the AAC have always been determined never to lose attack helicopters to the RAF and thus were prepared to not go after SH. Fighting one's own corner at the expense of the greater good has resulted in the fudge we have today. Quite well covered in Lewis Pages recent book,"Lions, Donkeys and Dinosaurs". Written in a populist style (obviously wants to sell loads) but does highlight some monumental cock ups and waste in defence.
More pertinent to this thread, you're quite right, why on earth is there a JOINT Helicopter Command when the RAF should have nothing to do with helicopters bar a few comms squadrons and CSAR assets.