It also depends on how the performance charts were made. I know of one helicopter where the HOGE performance charts were made by 'flying in' to the HOGE height. But if you try to climb to it from ground level, you need much more power (even climbing very slowly).
The chart meets the strict requirement of the regulations, but doesn't address reality.
Wow, that's interesting! So in essence, they were able to establish a higher HOGE and then say their "brand X" helicopter has better performance than "brand Y" helicopter due to superior design, etc, etc. That is some good insight and certainly a thought provoker. Thanks.