SND - I am reliably informed that helitester is something of a subject matter expert when it comes to the S76 so perhaps he can tell us why its profile is so different to other aircraft.
Chucklehead - I'm with you on the smooth application of power. I know that some parts of the American military used to teach the 'champagne cork' style vertical but if you are maintaining a minimum of HOGE plus 5% thrust margin performance then you probably don't need to go for that technique for all the reasons so far discussed.
The only time I might use a quick pull to max power from a low hover is to get over lowish obstacles when I am really pushed for power (military scenarios really) where that sudden acceleration upwards can make the difference between clearing and not clearing the obstacles (VIGE transition).
Have you got a lat/long for your LS for google earth?