So glad this thread didnt descend into a slanging match. Interesting to see the various sides taken and by the experiences and backgrounds.
Anyway, yes i'd maybe be more likely to check things more carefully than I did when I was younger.
Sid, I do appreciate your input really.
My final word is that flown sensibly within the limitations, the R22/44 is probably quite a safe machine, but explore beyond its limits and you may well be bitten, if not worse. It has served many Rotorheads well, enabling some of us to enter into the world of Commercial helicopter flying, and for that i'm thankful. I could never have afforded it otherwise and was never lucky enough to get into the military.