Good article actually, and the point of the thread is the Millitary aspect of readiness, and how an old fleet is neglected. This should not be vaulted into an east versus west manufacturing debate, especially since the production line was closed in the 1990's.
Millitary customers do not always follow manufacturer recommendations now do they. Usually comes down to budget, driving parts and manpower, hidden by politics.
What is missing from the article, is that the DOD is funding a replacement, the CH-53K.
Settling confidentially or fighting in court changes nothing about the inherent safety of either the design or the overall operational safety. For a mature design by any manufacturer, this rests primarily on the operator.