It comes down to the focus and intent of pilot training.
We [The Corps] puts our pilots through infantry school first in order to lay the foundation that they're sole purpose is what is taking place groundwise.
They learn how to orientate themselves toward terrain and enemy from an infantrymen's perspective.
So as a former Marine on the ground in an offensive or defensive combat scenario...given my choice...100 times out of 100 I select the Marine Corps piloted Cobras.
But...if I were riding on top of a transport and a grip of T-80's came rumbling over the horizon...I'd rather have the Army piloted Apaches.
Given the circumstances in Anaconda...I would have rather had the Cobras.
In our war, in our terrain - the Cobras diving straight toward the enemy was both the most terrifying and beautiful sight in the world. But, in Afghanistan - I have no idea of what would be the best way to deal with the bastards in the mountains. Off hand - I can't imagine why the Cobra or newer choppers could not deal with targets in tight canyons on on the slopes.
I've seen Jarhead pilots attack in any manner necessary to approach the target with least exposure to the grunts on the ground. I've seen them dive straight down, or up the river below tree tops - or even through the trees.
Not to make too much of a point --- but it was ONLY the Marine pilots that approached our smoke close enough to visually VERIFY the positions of the Marines and the positions of the targets we were asking them to hit..... We could actually see the whites of their teeth as they smiled their recognition of our "friendly" faces..... Loved the guys... they were crazy - but we loved them all.
Semper Fi