Thanks for the reply helmetfire - it just amplifies that there is no cheap and quick way into NVG ops - it requires properly trained and equipped crews.
It is certainly horses for courses - in our environment we often end up mixing IFR with NVG either for IMC to visual descents or IMC aborts from low level and in those situations where disorientation can be a real issue it is better to have 2 pilots up the front. We can have all 4 crew on NVG if required but that would generally be for searching at night or nav assist in crap weather.
What is absolutely vital when grovelling around in poor wx at night is accurate mapping which is regularly updated with wires/masts etc so you don't get caught out.
We also use our FLIR turret to help identify wires and other obstacles - it can be very effective and is a better use of the Radar Operator/winch op in that environment.