I think TM has a point and HC is demonstrating that point. If helicopter companies have so little committment to the safety of their passengers that they will do whatever the oil companies want, then TM wins!
HC does have a point though in that the helicopter companies will happily undercut each other and only run to the regulatory minimums in all things. Of course the oil companies are well aware of this, and the inability of the helicopter compnaies to demonstrate any effective leadership. Of course the re-introduction of Bond into the UK offshore market was a pretty cynical ploy to ensure 'more' competion and make any form of united front more difficult.
Can any of the helicopter operators demonstrate effective escape from an unturned helicopter in water carrying 19 pax? Highly unlikely even with the LAPS system.
My last flight with Bond at the end of last year, at night and they were just starting to use what felt like a long stabilised offset approach - for which the pilot apologised as the approach and landing would take longer - no mention that it is fundementally safer. The wheels seem to turn very slowly sometimes.