Ok Mallardpi, I think your close to the answer but not quite there. You can have military crews within a PFI all on the civil register - people have already given you examples. You only consider 28 Sqn for the skill transfer because you dont value your own skills enough. It is not winching you take to the SH force it is a mindset, a rapid response mind set and the ability to change rapidly. That said, before the SH mates dive in for a kill, they too have this but it IS in a different way. Yes, you also bring the SAR experience but do not ever think its your winching skills. Wiht this in mind, you became more use to the wider SH community - even though they probably will never admit it!
Now to the anouncement, I see nothing here that says end of mil SAR, reduced yes, different yes, but not over. Someone will get the contract, they will provide assets, crews and a management system which willsatisfy both sides of hte equation - mil and civil.
Dont fear change, it might actually be better - possibly?