There is no sensible way of getting 23.98 into a PAL offline. Don't do it!

Shooting 24p is a little better 25 is best.

To edit 24p in a PAL country make a 25p dub by selecting 25p playback on the HDWf500 deck.

Time codes are converted to 25p. Play directly into the Avid or make a dub. Discontinuous time code causes problems so be watchful.

Do the edit, then take it to a media composer which converts the time codes back into into a 24p project.

Shooting at 25p is by far the best. Play straight into the Avid from a cheap HD player. The new JH series has firewire output. Time codes are rock solid. No dubs needed. No time code translation needed.

If you decide to shoot 23.978 or 24 be very very careful who you ask for advice.