Let me give you a different perspective. I am a newly certified PADI OW Diver.
Although I agree with many of your points, like most "sports" or "hobbies", many people like to go into it at a minimum level to see if they will really like it.
I can see the value of the increased course, but I would not pay that to find out if I like it or not. Almost anything we learn (math, science,accounting) teaches you the basics and not the "reality".
As I have read here many times, the best way to get better at scuba is to get wet and dive.
No offense to anyone, but it seems it is the "advanced" divers who seem to be using hindsight in this area. You too were once a beginner and through years of diving have increased your skill set.
Although I agree with many of your points, like most "sports" or "hobbies", many people like to go into it at a minimum level to see if they will really like it.
I can see the value of the increased course, but I would not pay that to find out if I like it or not. Almost anything we learn (math, science,accounting) teaches you the basics and not the "reality".
As I have read here many times, the best way to get better at scuba is to get wet and dive.
No offense to anyone, but it seems it is the "advanced" divers who seem to be using hindsight in this area. You too were once a beginner and through years of diving have increased your skill set.