Crab,
I was being a bit faceitous when I mentioned Cougars but only half so really. California since the banning of Cougar hunting have now begun to see Cougar attacks on humans become more frequent to the tune of about one fatal attack per year now and numerous non-deadly attacks.
As to the pilot taking the "only" action left to him as you suggest, one never has just one choice of action. One may be faced with "good choices" and "not so good" choices.
"What if'ing..." is a game that can be played by anyone after the fact but is not predicated upon being involved directly in the event.
The folks involved in this rescue made a decision based upon their ability, training, and experience just as any crew does. They are not "mad men" or kamikaze's but are seasoned professionals.
It was not so long ago there was a discussion here in Rotorheads about a refused rescue by an elderly couple caught by a rising tide during cold rainy weather. They elected to endure the cold and wet and refused "rescue".
They were criticized for not accepting the offered rescue although they walked back to their car afterwards cold and wet but unharmed.
Which side of the argument will the "professionals" wish to cling to?