I don't recall knowing any rotary wing instructors who were teaching students without having any experience flying commercially before they became instructors.
I agree with your observation Chuck. I had not though of it that way, but I think you're quite right. One of my two instructors (who had a lot more grey hair than I) told me that during helicopter instructor seminars he used to ask Transport Canada why only stuck pedals, and not stuck cyclic and collective, were taught and examined. Apparently no answer was forthcoming...
Life is excellent, and I expect to be along in the next week or two, to tell you all about it in person. I also plan to meet up with another rather famous V.I. PPRuNer. I'll be in touch....