Read my lips, if the difference between a safe or an unsafe winch is one incorrect word of patter then the PIC is in the wrong place and doesn't have the situational awareness the rest of the crew deserve.
If you had stated calculated risk.....mmmm I would consider that. Then make a call when we find a safe way..
It's not about risking lives to save lives AT ALL. I would much rather take my crew home safely with a survivor or two......In fact I would rather take my crew and machine home safely.....to save, another day.
Not much skill and thought involved in blundering in and crashing about everywhere. Even drunks and Gonzos can do that. over
DD