I would be surprised if currency were a factor here,  as BHHH have a number of pilots very current on merlin -engined fighters, and the two types must be very closely matched in handling characteristics.

I think the bottom line is that it was simply not very popular, because ‘Spitfire’ is the gold-standard, the jewel in the crown,  the ultimate… the one historic type that is logged in the public consciousness.

If you tell people you flew in a Spitfire they go ‘Wow !’

If you say you flew in a Hurricane, they go ‘ What’s that? ” 

Nevertheless, it is a exciting opportunity and hopefully, the operation will be a great success.