Dave,
Thanks for the link.
Although I don't know how much safer "new technology" will really make rotorcraft. Much of the problem has to do with the way rotorcraft are typically operated versus fixed wing aircraft, and not so much a lack of technology. As for faster rotorcraft, compounds and tiltrotors will definitely be faster than conventional rotor systems. But they are also somewhat more complex drivetrains, which usually means less reliable.
As for which technology the US military will adopt for their new generation of rotorcraft (ie. JMR), that will depend on how they finally decide to use the aircraft. Tiltrotor is probably better for long, high and fast. Compounds may be better for short and low, and present less development risk.
Sikorsky is smart by using their own money to build and fly an S-97 right away. They'll be flying their JMR TD while the other competitors are still doing trade studies.