Lot of good replies.
As to root cause analysis that is something that should have been ongoing such that we don't have years of delay while a few folks fiddle with stats to come up with some sort of conclusion/s, which may or may not have any implementable elements.
My frustration is that Common Sense has taken a back seat to what can be done right now - such as requiring all EMS pilots to at least gain and maintain 135.297 IFR status, irrespective of the helicopter they fly, so they might have the confidence to climb in to the weather when required in order to avoid dangerous CFIT situations.