JK, I take your point about the R44 being expensive - not many cars cost as much!
However I fear as a private R44 owner you haven't seen the start of it as I guess you'll only be getting in a hundred hours a year in it, probably less. After 12 years you've used up half the component life but all the airframe life and be looking at a rebuild at some $160K (?)
Maybe it would be cheaper to own a 2nd hand MD500 depending on the hours you fly. Not to mention a great deal cooler! Any private MD500 owners care to comment?