Dancing Bear, lots of advice so far hope the following will allow you to see things slightly more clearly.
First things first and this is the biggy so i thought it worth reemphasising. YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED WSOp!!!
As already stated you could end up on Nimrods or E3's or indeed Hercules, tri stars or VC10's. However, at the moment, i would suggest that most people (80%) get what they want.
Secondly, some crewman who finish Shawbury do go straight to SAR. This is not as uncommon as it used to be. However, decisions like these are based on service need and aptitude. If you express a strong preference and you perform well on the SARTU phase of the course AND THERE IS A SERVICE NEED!!!!! you may well get lucky. Failing that there is still the chance to go SAR after SH. However, the squadrons will want at least a tour out of you to justify the training costs.
Next, the Morale question. As in every walk of life there are whingers. However, even when i have been in the ****est places on the planet, the banter and comaradery from your fellow aircrew and indeed engineer colleagues is second to none. No matter what you hear, WSOp crewman are not beating the door down to leave. The job is hard, and currently as you will have recently seen, at times very dangerous. The rewards if you open your eyes, both financially, and professionally are very good.
If your fit, thirty is not an issue at all. In fact as already stated it's probably an advantage.
If she doesnt want you to join, and you do, ditch her! In fact even if she has a change of heart, ditch her. Everyone should be single for at least their first tour. Any questions?
Budget cuts and safety. Well that could be a seperate thread all on it's own. If i say no, someone will remind me of anticipators on Puma's and body armour for the troops. Is that cutting corners? Probably. Could we do with more kit? Yes. Have i ever had to buy my own kit to deploy with? Yes. Have i ever had to refuse to fly an aircraft bcause i dont think it's safe to fly because of budget cuts? No.
Only you can decide what's best for you mate. Ive been in the RAF for 17 years now and done this job for 10. Have i enjoyed it? Yes. Have i ever whinged? Yes. Would i change anything? No. I agree with the comments about getting out and about. Get yourself down to the SH units. Take responsibility and go there and talk to people, they wont bulls**t you. SH mates are renowned for their honesty and they will speak their minds.
Whatever you decide, best of luck.