The writing is on the wall, for everyone.
As an outsider, with no industry knowledge, might I suggest that you look at the real world, out with the rotary wing environment?
A reduction, as we are seeing in E&P means that not only helicopter crews are seeing a surplus of capacity in relation to demand. All levels of staff on platforms are now subject to it being a buyers market. Longer periods offshore, boat transfers and the ability to drop anyone, no matter their skill set, all point to reduce op costs and no downside.
Of course it is important that the chance to cull is taken wisely and the right guys get chopped, but in the real world, well, some good guys will get binned for no good reason.
For everyone working offshore saying they will not do four on one off, there is someone back home asking what he will do instead of working offshore.
Take a look at the Nimrod cancellation. How many people, apparently in the know, were adamant that LRMPA could not be abandoned? The whole case for the Nimrod was built upon the unquestioned requirement for such a beast. Take away the airframe and it becomes very obvious that the unthinkable is the reality.
Not having the Nimrod is of no consequence, because the client (MOD) has decided that the RAF do not need to carry out the tasking.
When the oil companies decide to half the number of change overs, they will expect to do half the number of helicopter trips and therefore pay half the cost. They will of course face in an increase in fees for boats, but still save substantial money.
Half of your industry sector wiped out. The knock on into SAR, EMS, Law Enforcement, VIP and retention rates for military pilots should not be ignored.
As for the finance aspect... I don't see the money men supporting the next round of expansion of fleets because the Oil companies are back in the game.