Would I get laughed at or a pat on the back for being sensible?
You will get a bit of both. A pat from those who understand the possibilities arising from helicopter accidents and and a laugh from those who don't. Wear a helmet.
Ditto fire proof suit. Shame to survive the clout on the head from the rotor blade coming through the cockpit and then getting burnt because you're wearing that cool looking blue aviator nylon bomber jacket. Know of an aviator who after suffering terrible burns as a result of a crash on take off (engine failure) made a living on the lecture circuit (albeit military) telling aircrew how to dress if they wanted to survive.