We can argue about bigger/smaller people, Tee's and Runners vs Survival Kit and rebreathers, Fat vs Skinny, but the issue is the cabin on the SP series is small and cramped for the passengers being carried on the North Sea. The situations is such that it causes at the very least, the perception of being dangerous and is causing a problem amongst the passengers.
This is a drop the Shield issue.
Either the Passengers are wrong....or they are right.....which is it?
In studies of this and previous fatal accidents that were "Survivable" and Passengers died....we should study those accidents to determine who survived, what seats they were in, what the passenger loading was, and any other factor that contributed to successful and unsuccessful exits from the aircraft.
This is a Safety Issue....not a mere "Comfort" Issue.
Why the passenger size has grown over time is immaterial....the fact is the passengers are larger than 30 years ago.....but then that is the situation all over the World. As we eat better....over generations...we get taller and broader. Ever been to a really old Pub with the original doorways? Wonder why you have to stoop down to get through....People were not as big then as we are now.
Listen to the Passengers folks....they are telling you they "fear" being in cramped conditions. As the size of the helicopter is not going to change....something else must to alleviate that cramped seating situation.
What is it to be?
CDFA Approaches have merit for Offshore Use.....a drastic change from decades of practice thus the change is not going to be welcomed with open arms.
The single most valuable aspect to the CDFA concept in my view is once the Descent is initiated....it is maintained until a unique Decision Point at which time the Descent is terminated and a CLIMB is initiated. No more cruising along at a very low height above the sea....with all the risks that creates. We have a habit of flying too low and plunking perfectly good helicopters into the water. At least with a CDFA approach there is but one defined point at which you are "close" to the water without having the Rig in sight.
DB has done good work improving Night Approaches.....and perhaps he might consider how to incorporate CDFA Approaches into his model.
That would be combining the best of both techniques.