Offshore bear - if money was no restriction PAX would be issued with a one piece streamlined suit integrated with life jacket, beacon and SCUBA kit including a full face mask tucked into a chest pocket.
such equipment provide ensures the PAX has vision, air and no snags. He is able to select a suitable exit and wait for it to clear of other PAX before he uses it. His size is now no longer a primary factor in his survivability.
I am talking about a properly pressure balance demand valve that will work at depth. A face mask with integrated self purging valve. This is simple and easy to provide but costs a bit more than the current re-breather bag that is not pressure balanced.
The CAA are using the seating restriction to force Oil Companies and operators to properly address the safety provisions for PAX. They are firmly on your side.