I predicted others would post contrasting views, but frankly, am surprised
at how well I agree with Bob's post.  I was hoping he would contribute
since, in my opinion, his positions on this are likely to be among the best
thought out and supported, even though, or better, precisely because we have
concluded differently.  He's got more to offer if coaxed.  His opinions are
worth considering by those trying to make a more informed equipment
decision.

Two of Bob's statements seem to me to be particularly important.  A third is
a point of disagreement, perhaps because of context and semantics.

We agree that

> And above all, (DIR) has gone beyond the status of canonization to have
> risen to a religion itself!  :-)   It's faithful followers must not
> question any dogma and must faithfully chant its commandments.

This is a problem that has done more to damage credibility of the system
than anything else I've seen.  Surprisingly, those who are at the heart of
the DIR concept, have proven to be more rational and more flexibile than
most know, but only when they consider the context of the kind of diving
being done by others.  The central figures are not nearly as inflexible as
those who have taken the concept to a religious level rather than
approaching it from a rational one.  The majority of the religious have
never been and never will be allowed on a WKPP site.

> But the biggest DANGER, to my way of thinking (to borrow
> Strike's favorite expression :-)) is that those who follow their
> FAITH and CHANTS prescribed by their religion blindly WITHOUT THINKING
> about the WHY of such practices . . .

If there was a real basis of religion in diving, the concept of informed
decision making would be in its most holy book.  There is nothing in this
sport that justifies unthinking, blind obedience.  Dogma has no place.  The
fact that many have blindly followed what they think DIR is all about has
resulted in Doing It Wrong, more often than in Doing It Right.

I disagree with Bob on the following statement.

> >the DIR system of gear configuration is centred on a standardised
> >system that lends itself to any diving application,
>
> Ah, THAT's the problem.  Not re-inventing the wheel nor trying to
> improve any part of an automobile under specialized usage, but trying
> to make an automobile of a SINGLE STYLE that is suitable for all uses
> of motorized vehicles, from a truck, a van, a passenger auto, to a
> racing car.

The essence of DIR is not rigidity, it's flexibility.  While it is true that
the rules for diving with WKPP are some of the most stringent encountered in
diving, outside of this narrow context, the system is highly flexible.  No
other system I know of is so easily adapted to variations, from single tank,
minimal wing, to twins and a larger wing, to the collection of tanks of
travel, bottom and deco tanks that is necessary to the most extreme dives.
This is a point that seems to be missed by a great many of the faithfully
religious and, through their preaching, buy many of those who hear and
rightfully reject their message.

Personally, I thnk there will be a very real challange to the DIR system in
the near future, specifically to the system as employed in the most
demanding circumstances, WKPP diving.  Development of devices that directly
monitor bubble formation in the blood during a dive, which has been anounced
to the diving population, probably should change some perceptions.  If/as
this new technology is refined, I expect their "no computer" position to
face a serious challange.  While pre determined tables may be more
appropriate given today's options, it is likely to be hard to sucessfully
argue that they are better than on the spot, real time information on what's
happening in a diver's body.  We may get a chance to see whether WKPP is as
actively focused on the best and safest system possible or, as many
outsiders suspect, are locked into a perceived best that may have outlived
it's place at the cutting edge of diving.  Time will tell.  Many, DIR
supporters and detractors alike, will be watching closely to see what
happens next.

Lee