mmmmm. yes, i can see your point. although i think in the heli world it's a little different, if you have a JAA IR then there is a very good chance you will get a job in the north sea (at the moment)
i think the magic 1,000 hours "rule" doesnt seem to apply anymore, i think nowadays its all about what type of hours you have. ie 400 turbine is worth a LOT more than 800 piston hours.
i know guys who are flying A109s with 400 piston hours, and i also know guys that are still instructing on r22s with 2,500 hours. i think it depends on what you're willing to put up with, if you're willing to live anywhere and of course what contacts you have. and a bit of luck of course....
there seems to be a much more clearly defined career "path" in the fixed wing world. not so in the rotary world.