On the subject of data recording - it is available, it is (relatively cheap) and light.
Okay, not attached to a twin turbine helicopter but on our piston engine FW kitplane we have a Dyonon SkyView system which after a recent software upgrade records 30+ data inputs direct onto a USB stick. Data includes flight and engine information on a continuous download and a 15 minute loop.
A complete 10" glass display EFIS, engine display and map for £5k. How do they do it? Simply that it isn't certified.
If the manufacturers and regulators made life more simple then every aircraft no matter what could be fitted with FDRs.