Jim,
i have no idea of your experience but do remember this thread you posted recently

http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...77&forumid=202

As such, i can only assume you are very experienced in planes, with limited experience in helicopters but advancing very rapidly

It makes perfect sense for experienced plane guys to begin nose in hovering from nose in forward flight as no doubt you are comfortable with this orientation from your plane flying.

i think everyone flying RC is a "place yourself in the cockpit type", whether its a car, boat, plane or heli.

the NEAR/FAR rule, is not something i made up, but has been around for many years. It is the BEST way to learn NOW, if you have any inclination for inverted flight in future.

everything else you mention is a natural extension of the FAR rule and does not require thought.

Not sure what you mean by "pull away" but if this means you dont have a planned BAIL OUT procedure, I would question your ability as a (helicopter) instructor.

sorry if my advice to other beginners offends you..