On Wed, 23 Aug 2000 06:41:19 -0400, Lee Bell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

< SNIP >

>Regardless of the advantages I have found, I know of only one aspect that
>supports insistance that DIR is the end all of equipment configurations.
>Consistency of set up between multiple divers is an advantage that's hard
>to dispute.

In silt out situations in CAVE diving where the diver would not have to
THINK where his and his buddy's gears are.  I totally agree with the
DIR approach in THAT diving environment and buddy/multiple-diver system.

That was in fact given as the PRIMARY (if not the ONLY) reason for
the "consistency" (or one configurations fits all) in an article
written by Carl Shrieves (? who is supposed to be the High Priest of
DIR ?) in Alert Diver article on the DIR topic.


>Still, it also is not sufficiently compelling for me to join the
>group of zealots who insist that anyone who does not agree is a stroke.

There is much to be said in the adage, "never argue about RELIGION or
POLITICS".  :-)   It's bad enough to argue on OTHER subjects.


>I'm
>with you.  Dive what you are most comfortable and safe with and respect the
>right of others to do the same.

Did I say that?   I believe ONLY in self-responsibility and self-reliance!

Which means -- if someone wants to dive with UNcomfortable and UNsafe
gears, it's okay with ME.  It's THEIR business.  :-)

That reminded me of a Hogarthian "discussion" I had with "Snarls" years
ago in which he argued that the DRYSUIT (in Hogarthian, now DIR)
configuration SHOULD be used, EVEN diving in Cozumel -- as his
interpretation of the bible.

The fact that the drysuit has never been seen in Cozumel and that
no manufacturer has yet produced a drysuit with an air-conditioning
unit inside are mere minor details that are beside the point.  <BWG>

-- Bob.

>
>Lee