I guess we should also focus our comments for particular National Authorities and each regulatory regime we operate within.
Add in the particular segment of the industry we find ourselves operating within also would play a role.
If I move up from a Jet Ranger to a Huey....or from a Huey to a 212 but stay in the same "job/task"..... say Fire Fighting....how much difference is there between types really. Or if I am doing sight seeing and move from one type to another at the same operating base....how much time is required?
If I jump from Fire Fighting in a 212 and move on to an S-92 where IFR/IMC long distance Offshore Flying is done...and I have no experience in the 92, IMC, or offshore....how much is needed?
Sometimes it is the Type change that is the predominant issue, or the tasking, or the location, or even from one Authority to another or sometimes all of them combined.
Not to mention the Pilot....and how his abilities, experience, and skill level are involved.
I too have shown up at a place and both been handed the Keys and told to get after it....and have also been treated as if I were the newest Co-Pilot ever which was a cover for protecting Turf by those who knew some sort of secret handshake or held a particular kind of Passport.