The original intent of the rating was for people to use it to get home just after last light-according to the man from DOTAC(80's name for CASA)when he did my flight test.
Yes, and that would be why there is only the requirement to land at night in a dark place, not take off. Sadly, many people have flown into the ground 2nm from the end of the runway because of the shift in intent of the rating.
Isn't this whole thread about reduced longitudinal stability in some helicopters, and the requirement for a visible horizon in order to match the limitations of the pilot's central nervous system feedback loop?
It might have been - sorry for the diversion if it was! as the regulation
project will examine the night VMC requirements for both rotorcraft and aeroplanes
it's not off topic.