I generally stay out of these stupid "discussions" (and yes, that is in quotes since this is NOT a discussion in any real sense of the word since that requires knowledge of the subject on all sides) but I can't not resist.
The protagonist, Mossman, wrote
What I find ignorant is taking an expensive class if you have no use for it. Obviously, from your other post below, you didn't take anything from the class. These are the GUE Fundamentals:
Of particular interest is the promotion of solid fundamental skills for all divers (recreational and technical) as well as their adherence to a common diving standard. This general standard requires the following:
•Divers use the same equipment configuration; this enhances safety and efficiency.
•Divers use the same well-defined set of breathing gases, including Nitrox, Helium and Oxygen; standard mixes eliminate complexity and greatly enhance safety.
•Divers use a team approach during all dives, facilitating fun and safety.
•Divers must have a solid grasp of fundamental diving skills, including refined buoyancy, trim and teamwork; these skills must be developed in concert with the type of dive pursued. Difficult dives require very high levels of skill development.
I took, and passed, Fundies after refusing to do so for some time. Why did I finally take it? Because I found out I wasn't as good of a diver as I thought I was -- I found my panic button on a dive that, fortunately, was found safely.
As a result of the training I received from my GUE instructor, scuba teacher and like trained buddies, I almost always comply with at least 3 out of the 4 ideals listed by Mossman. Guess what -- so do my buddies -- including NWGrateful Diver with whom I had the privilege of critiquing his SM setup on Sunday. While I most often dive with people who are diving OC and dry (and no, we don't dive the exact same gear but that is NOT relevant nor a part of the GUE statement), diving with someone in SM just means I need to think a little bit and make sure I understand the protocols.
The other three items are not effected nor were they.
Mossman -- I know very few divers, actually, I don't know any divers, who haven't taken Fundies but who would receive no benefit from taking it. As my sig line states, teaching is a learning experience and I know that EVERY Open Water Class I teach, teaches me something of value regarding diving.
I actually feel sorry for you that you don't understand that even YOU should be able to learn something of significant value by taking a class from a good teacher -- and THAT is where the value of a GUE class lies. It isn't really in the class -- it really IS all about the teacher -- and GUE, in my experience and opinion, has the best teacher training, control and evaluation out there. Mossman -- I'm sorry that you truly don't know what you don't know -- perhaps if you opened your mind you might begin to learn something of value.