LZ, I did say it was a precautionary downgrade of the rig, but this begs the question how many other jobs that Military SAR currently do will be turned down because it's not quite an "emergency" and so CAA rules won't allow it? Like the increasing number of rig personnel that military SAR are being asked to transfer because the person can't get into an immersion suit for whatever reason. It seems this is acceptable for the Mil SAR crews to take on risk, but not for the civvies.
I have no doubt that the aircraft and crews are very capable, but will it truly offer the same service if it is hampered by CAA regulations for anything other than an "emergency" callout?