212man,
Sorry but these are remarks from a retired or office-bound pilot ...... if the crane was there he would have hit it on approach BEFORE landing ....... the CAP437 notes are for ensuring clearance if manoeuvring on the helideck. I bet at night this pilot would have landed out of wind / at right angles to the chevron to ensure his tail clearance, and allow passengers direct egress to the exit where the cameraman is stood ....... and if the wind was too strong would have used his initiative to employ your technique if required