Of course there is another aspect and this with the weight all the other way.
I was asked to fly with a giant geologist with his giant old fashioned camcorder when I had only landed to refuel anyway.
So: Fat bastard plus fat toy, minimum fuel. Result: stick coming back back back as the collective came up.
There came a moment when I had to say "Sorry, I need some fuel, to balance us up."
Geos are men of science, they understand. Plus he already knew that he was a fat bastard. No science needed.
Aren't you glad you fly a helicopter? We can make a life or death decision at zero airspeed. Aeroplane foxe only get the bad news at the boundary fence.
Plenty of other helis have this problem too: H300s, JetRangers come to mind.
But I like the water ballast idea, when the Cof G is too far aft. Australia is a dry country. Just be sure that you carry in plastic (frangible) containers.
thekite