I grasp what you have to say Brother Dixson....having done some investigative flying in a Hughes 500D one morning on Unga Island, Alaska.
What I discerned is how critical the last three feet of height above the surface of a saltwater inlet can be when performing such maneuvers. I you compound what you describe by adding in the G Loading that one can apply to the Rotors and Head before reaching a structural limit....which can be a consideration....it is easy to find oneself wishing there was more clear space beneath the landing gear.
As one discovers all those limits coming into place...it seems religious dedication as a philosophic convention can also permeate to one's cognitive thoughts as well.
I suppose I am not the only pilot ever heard to utter the words...."Thank You Jesus!" in similar circumstances after grasping the Earth was getting further away and all the component parts of the aircraft less a bit of seat cushion were still doing their job.