If you saw my rig, you would think I'm a DIR diver. I have a standard 7' hose, a backplate and harness, my knife is in the "right" position, I put my wreck light on my hip in the right position, my doubles are fixed up with the right configuration on the hoses, and I want a pair of Scubapro Jet fins for Christmas. I wear my computer on my wrist. I have gradually converted to this system because each detail has been thought out and is probably the best way to do it. I have diving buddies that are all out DIR.
However, I don't call people strokes and I will dive with others who are not configured as I am. I would be diving solo most of the time, because my most frequent buddies aren't DIR at all, and don't even know what it means. When I got my 7' hose, everybody laughed at me, until they saw how it works. Now they're laughing at me because of my hip worn canister light. Next time we go on a night dive, they won't be laughing anymore, and will want one like mine. I just accept it.
Also, I don't know George and have read a little about him. Famous divers are usually famous for a reason. For example, I used to make fun of people who worship Shek Exley as a hero. However, I recently read about his diving, and he was truly an awesome man. We really should emulate his attitude, his dedication, and his achievement. For all I know George is such a man. I don't like it when he calls people strokes, but I reserve judgement of him until I know a lot more about it.
(Whew, I got carried away--sorry)
Campana