We are talking from differing perspectives. I am looking at the availability percentage. Sea King beats the Merlin hands down. Sea King average Serviceability % of around 75% in theatre.
I have carried out structural repairs on many a Sea King/Apache/Chinny/Some fixed wing in the field Previous Job), and with all you can carry out a great repair, however the Merlin requiring a bonded repair due to the composition of the frames mean a far more complex repair requiring utmost cleanliness, which is just not viable in the field.
The Merlin is a great ASW aircraft, but not a battle field aircraft.