Well, something I always used to think about when teaching people (and still do today - offshore) is "how would this look in the accident report?"
I'm afraid AAIB reports are littered with cases of people flying with no current type rating/licence, unlicensed instruction etc
I'm sure you taking control straight and level is pretty safe, the chances of anything going wrong are pretty slim, and you're wondering what all the fuss is about on this thread, but at the end of the day, the rules are laid down by the JAA/CAA/ANO etc, and if you try to get around them somehow, you are leaving yourself open to risk.
Yes, the whole type rating system is an expensive pain, and we all have to deal with it. Thats the licensing system we have in Europe.
But ask yourself, is your career really worth jeopardising just for saving about 1 hour in an R44 (about £500)?