If we still need a small(ish) cab (which we probably do), given that the Pumas were primarily early 70's build and a large chunk of the HC4 fleet are mid to late 80s build (albeit with high-time frames), why was Puma put forward for a SLEP instead of the HC4? That would have left the RAF with a straight choice between Merlin / Puma.
Not that I think CHF don't need a new cab (they do), I'm just somewhat surprised that the potential consequences weren't seen beforehand.