Crab and BJC,
I agree with your points about LTE vs LTA, but regret to inform you that an entire class of helicopters have been certified with near-zero crosswind capability. For Cat B operations, 9 passengers or less, Bell has managed to certify the 407, 412, 212 with "wind + 45 degrees from the nose" and NO demonstrated cross wind pedal margin!
Look in AC 29-2, para .143 to see how to pull off this trick. It is a real shame, and an invitation to LTE for unsuspecting people.
The crummy tail rotors are the Cat B limiting element, and basically, the new interpretation of FAR allows them to operate above the weight at which the tail rotor has 17 knots of capability. According to the FAA, you can operate to limit pedal (just touching the stops) while landing, as long as when you are against the stop, the yaw rate is in the direction of the pedal.
This trick buys them about 5% more payload. The aircraft in question have TWO hover charts, one for "wind from any azimuth" and one for "wind + 45 degrees from the nose". The LTE hover chart has more payload, of course.
No wonder EC is eating their lunch.