Gosh, some great feedback already. Thanks, Jackboot, firebird_uk, cholmondeley!
Aplogies, but my inital post was misleading - for helicopters i still fly under instruction. I have piloted gliders solo, but gladly welcome the experience for helicopters. It's nothing to do with ability or enthusiasm, it's just that i don't have the cash to commit to a PPLH then maintain it to a safe standard. A couple of moments in gliders taught me about pride before a fall...
I gather the hydraulics stop any control forces, but the machine has a slightly slower response time over R22. Any hints for lift-off / touchdown, or hovering, taxiing?