Do you guys honestly think that by having these regulations you are going to stop overseas pilots working in the UK? I work with 16 pilots, all of which have plenty of ME time and only need to renew there IFR ratings, and they are busy learning English...
Sorry to burst your bubble on the salary issue too. I think if you look at the cost of living in other countries vs salary (Offshore flying) the North Sea dosn't look that good anymore.
I believe the Logging guys in Canada are probably earning the most per month anywhere.
The helicopter industry is a global one, and if you venture outside your comfort zone and head overseas, you will find this out.
My previous job off the coast of Africa involved working with South African, Swiss, Austrian, and US pilots, and 2 Czech Engineers! The licence they held didn't make any difference to they piloting skills, rather what experience they had.