Most of the big leasing companies don't have L2s in their available fleets as no one wants to own old generation helicopters anymore (in case they get stuck with them) and oil companies don't want to contract them.
Lease cost differential between an L2 and a 225 is not worth arguing over when you examine the vastly different capabilities of the two aircraft.
Helicopter operators are not in a position to simply reduce costs like that (good luck trying to refinance helicopters on lease or change unionized pilot/ engr salaries). I suspect that what will happen is less exploration rather than the same amount with reduced rates/ costs.
There will be less exploration but that will lead to a surplus of newer generation aircraft available which will have a downward affect on prices.
Funny - when the price of oil was at an all time high and their profits skyrocketing I don't recall the Oil Companies walking into the office and saying: " Times are good here's a 20% raise in your standing charges!"
Not quite correct. Many current contracts were the result of commercial tenders in the "good times" when helicopter operators submitted tenders based on the upwardly rising market trend.
Helicopter contract rates over the last 10 years have increased at a higher rate than the simple lease / finance cost differential between an L2 and a 225 or S-92.