I think I started something...
Any Professional that gives advice or an answer, that is contrary to his or her certifying agency, the manufacture of the product, local, state or federal law is wrong.
My initial comment was to express my public dissapointment with people who have a "professional" designation with their nickname.
We are bound both ethically, code of conduct by our angencies, the law and by liability which doesn't allow us to just give answers people are looking for if they are contrary to those "Right answers".
We all have answers based on experience and the text book answers. These answers don't always agree, in fact they sometimes flat out conflict. As professionals, as people who can be held liable, we should refrain from giving any answer but the one that is in the text book to limit our liability.
We don't always have the luxury to give opinions, or answer questions sometimes the way we'd like to. I am "duty bound" (Legally, ethically, standards, law, liabilty) as is every other Instructor, Asst. Instructor, to give the so called "RIGHT" answer to certain questions.
I know I overfill my tanks on occassion, but publicly, when asked directly by someone the answer has to be NO as a dive professional.
The chances of a tank exploding, especially a steel one is remote, but there IS a chance. I'm not going to be the Instructor that said "yea, go ahead, it's not a big deal to put an extra 500lbs or more in your tank".
Diving safe, responsibly, and eliminating or mitigating as many risks as possible is our job. Giving someone advice that introduces risk, however small, is in my opinion is contrary to our obligation as an Instructor/Asst. Ins/DM.
So, move on with the topic. Sorry for inadverdantly causing it to be hickjacked....