I think you will find that the KMax works in two areas mainly - logging and fire fighting - both very unforgiving segments of this industry.
I know there have been issues with the aircraft itself, heck I had a long time friend killed in one of the Kmax crashes (Randy Harmon in the crash of Superior Helicopters machine) so yes the aircraft does have its faults.
But also look at the number of hours these aircraft fly in the dead mans curve, I dont know of many other types other than other logging aircraft that do so. I know posters here have focused on the number of crashes but it would be interesting to know just how many hours the Kmax fleet has flown to date and even per month per aircraft. I wouls assume the numbers would be pretty big.
Just my two cents worth. I have visited a number of Kmax operators around the world and I still think its an amazing aircraft.
Ned