Nick, I'll agree with you that the situations I am suggesting are not likely to be able to sustain VRS but I think they can create the condition for a short time which probably isn't going to hurt you but it can sure scare the wee out of you.
It would also exlplain why they always use such a low number as 300 fpm as a rule of thumb for avoiding SWP or VRS because you can definitly have a velocity normal the rotor plane of higher value than the VSI would tell. It may also be leftover from the days of low disc loadings.
I have a question: Is there any kind of testing requirement for VRS in regard to FAA certification?
I wonder how the Kmax with its angled rotors handles VRS. Can it get into it? If so what would it's descent angle chart look like? Different I would think.