smudge,
I well recall assisting the Air Eng in various servicing tasks down route both on the Hastings and Hercules before the advent of the G/E. My tech background lent me a little credibility in this respect.
I was once doing some research in the files and came across the original service paper which recommended the setting up of the G/E system for the Hercules.
As far as I can recall the original idea was to emulate the Crew Chief system of the V force whereby he would have his 'own' a/c. This proved to be a non starter for several reasons. This next bit will chime with you ref the base chaps resentment. It was suggested that the aircrew reporting of defects would have more credibility if supported by a G/E ! As you will no doubt confirm those at base merely assumed you were always on the side of the aircrew.