Merlins served operationally in Iraq (UK) and Afghanistan (UK, Italy and Denmark). An RAF Merlin pilot was awarded an DFC while serving in Iraq. That sounds like front line service to me.

Having flown it, and various other types, in a variety of demanding Operational environments I feel qualified to comment. Yes, it's not going to win a straight 'lift' competition; however, in terms of crash-worthiness it's right up there as well as being the most pilot-friendly helicopter in extremely poor weather that I've had the privilege of being in the cockpit of. For a fast, almost vibration-free poor weather rotary platform with a seriously capable FMS and auto-pilot I rate it extremely highly.