Woolf - I only said allegedly because there seemed to be no clear explanation for why the lift was conducted as it was (from a first hand observer). It may well have been an aircraft unserviceability issue but whatever happened it really didn't make anyone look slick or professional.
As I have banged on about on other threads, simply stating you have a capability isn't enough, you have to practise it regularly to maintain competence. It would appear from the reoprts from those on scene that something was lacking from the Jigsaw response.
Bouncebounce - no but then a 40' hover would have been very exciting in a big sea state. If your answer is that they would have increased the hover height then why not do the same on a calm night to try and dissipate the downwash a bit.