Milo,
Yes you're right, it was a long time ago and there are less helicopters at Culdrose now than then, but the fact is that the 771 Seakings, even now, provide more cover than the proposed civilian option (delayed) could. All the helicopters that fly from here are fitted with hoists (including the baggers) and if the need was such I can assure you that every cab possible would be made available, in whatever role it could fill. The tasking during the Fastnet event was rapid, unplanned and dangerous. The fact that someone thought to call on our other main helicopter base for backup was good management. I was only a lowly plane captain (Grubber lad) at the time but it was BUSY.
You are right about the potential SAR capability, but ask the question AFTER it goes civvy. I personally can't remember a time that a 771 cab didn't fly around here at least once a day, even if it was only the daily SAR CTF and I grew up here.
Cheers now