Perrito,
You quote some disturbing headlines there which no doubt will cause some on here to jump to a conclusion that they are all doomed in the UK.
What you don't mention is what the regulator/authority is doing to hold Avincis to account. Surely if the contract allows the company to make such changes to its operating procedures, or if it doesn't, they are not being penalized for it, then it is as much the fault of the contract/authority. Its not new news that a commercial outfit will wish to make profit out of its operations - that's business in this world, and is not restricted to aviation companies.
From what I have read on here & the DfT website (assuming one believes either
) the future UK SAR contract would not permit such a reduction in service once the contract is in place.
SW