It isn't mandated that QQ is used, just that independent assessment is made to verify main contractor safety claims and provide independent advice.
FTE - you are indeed correct. Sadly the C130 world seems not to take advantage of that fact.
Except that unless you want to foolishly follow the septics you don't necessarily want something bristlingly obvious in that role
There's nothing foolish in equipping an aircraft for its intended task. You can't get much more "bristingly obvious" than a Herc turning up (except maybe a C17 or an A400) regardless of what's attached to the outside.
