excellent, elegant post.....
best post i've read in a long, long time......covers all the bases, succinctly and intelligently. i've been off the net for several months due to windows7 problems, so i apologize for not responding sooner. now, slightly off the topic, from reading your post i have a feeling i've worked with you, as i "ran" 34th st from about 1982 to 1991, when we flew jet rangers, long rangers, etc. on sightseeing flights, new york helicopter, and a few commercial operators. since the early '90's, 34th st has been pretty much a parking lot for corporate big boys, so i figger you flew out of there during my time. having witnessed a few "incidents", i was pleased to read your commentary, and wish there were more such as you to analyze and hopefully improve flight safety measures.