Without knowing your dive experience, for me the answer is: Things are different the deeper you go. So the first time I go to 100 ft plus, it was good to go there with someone who was prepared for 1)- signs of me getting narc'd 2)- Was prepared to deal with me being narc'd 3)- was prepared for me to suck air like a vacuum 4)- made sure my ascent rate was proper. As far as the other "disciplines" that are offered, I have to admit they are a bit weak.
That being said, none of that happened to me, but did to other students. And I got to see a cool trick with a raw egg at 110 ft. Could you get that from a very knowledgeable buddy? Sure. If you trust them to handle things correctly, then there is no need for a class.
I think the problem here is that although you and many other divers may have friends and buddies that can serve as mentors in your diving, there is a larger percentage that don't have that, so need the structured teachings of an AOW class. Nobody will accuse PADI of making it too difficult, but at least it is there for those that want to take advantage of it.
It is also not the extent of your learning capability. It is possible to learn beyond a PADI class, using it as a good base.
That being said, none of that happened to me, but did to other students. And I got to see a cool trick with a raw egg at 110 ft. Could you get that from a very knowledgeable buddy? Sure. If you trust them to handle things correctly, then there is no need for a class.
I think the problem here is that although you and many other divers may have friends and buddies that can serve as mentors in your diving, there is a larger percentage that don't have that, so need the structured teachings of an AOW class. Nobody will accuse PADI of making it too difficult, but at least it is there for those that want to take advantage of it.
It is also not the extent of your learning capability. It is possible to learn beyond a PADI class, using it as a good base.