There must be some truth to it . . . .
Airlogistics has a pretty big contract here in Mexico, it involves something like 10 Bell 412's do do powerline patrol, construction, and other emergency duties when required, AND THEY HAVE MADE IT MANDATORY TO HAVE TAIL BOOM STRAKES ON ALL THEIR AIRCRAFT, at least here at altitude it makes a difference, as I doubt that the largest helicotepter company in the world would go to all the trouble of installing these if there was no difference.