Hey Cockney Steve,
My last flight ever in an R22 occurred in 2002, up to that time I enjoyed flying the R22, but unknown to me the R22 previous pilot a young FI had allowed a massif over-speed during an auto, it only became apparent upon getting airborne and climbing out of EGNH , I had no ability to turn left, it would only go right in notchy degree's, at that time I weighed about 220 lbs it took all my strength to stop the thing flinging itself all over the ground I landed on just east of the tower, I have never flown in a Robinson Helicopter since.
But I would like to fly in the French Cabri it seems to have nothing but good reports, and seems by all accounts to be built well and as you stated it seems to have long term abilities.
Peter R-B
Lancashire