My 2 cents:
If there are, let's say sensitive instruments in a building near by (not too far fetched on a campus?) preventing the demolition with explosives; then assuming just no room for heavy equipment to maneuver (crane) and the fire destruction (never seen it before - thanks for the vid) is not suitable either... it seems that the helicopter is/was the only way!?
Added in the cost of explosives and the man hours to pack 'em, plus to safeguard all the buildings (and the assumptive instruments), it appears to be even a economical way to take the chimney out. So why not!?
Lute: just take it easy man, all that rumble about pride and such, only to prove what?
BTW: I was less impressed by guys with more hours than you have - again, it proves nothing (not even that you are a good pilot - which I'm sure you are)!