Easy to knock the AS355Fs but they are pretty much in market of their own if you need twin engine capability and they're good value too. Don't think you'd find too many operators who'd prefer a C20 A109, considering maintenance costs, which is the only low budget alternative. In fact an AS355F1 might have been ideal acft for the role the Saba/St Maarten R44 was undertaking - not too much more to buy than an R44, probably as cheap to run as any twin, and at least a lot safer for the desired varied roles, regardless of regulations.
RDVT; not sure about your 140 kts - I'd get your ASI checked! Either that or the MGBX is being rather overtorqued!