Ah, some things never change...
Been away from PP for a while - good to see the mil/civ debate still simmering away!
Surely the civvy lack of banter capability is a significant decision driver for the SAR(H) planners?! Given that most civ crews are ex-mil I can only presume that:
1 - They're ex RN and had their humour surgically removed when they left.
2 - They're ex RAF and so never had a sense of humour.
3 - They're pedigree civs and so just don't understand humour at all - but I understand the pressure you must be under knowing that if you break the chopper you'll get in a lot of trouble with accounts!
Yours militarily dragging the debate to infant level,
SB