The Bridge is an optimum location for dive training. Not sure how both you and Dan started diving, but I would imagine you didn't start out are experts in bouyancy control.
We take our students to the east and away from the crowds. We properly weight our students as much as possible, but kneeling on the bottom to review skills is necessary. Just think of the mess new divers would be making if not properly weighted and are struggling to stay down.
P.S Even when I dive the bridge for fun, I head east to stay away from the "experts". : ) If you don't like sharing, go somewhere else...The Bridge is a busy place.