I have read the replies to Kimela's point and I agree with most of them.
I have my own reason for following a DG/DM: I am lazy!
Hi Kimela, I like diving with a DM for the same reasons you mentioned.
@boulderjohn and
@Lorenzoid had other reasons that fit my profile exactly.
@drrich2's post on navigation is an issue but not for the reasons he stated as I am a very good navigator. I have proven that both above and below the surface for decades.
I like diving with a guide because I like diving LAZY!
I know my wife's fins very well. When we splash, I take a mental picture of the DM's fins.
I enjoy poking around the holes, crevices, and other hiding places for critters and geological features; my flashlight is strapped to my wrist and I use it often. I may be head down in a hole (vertical), or I may be upside down in a small cavern (overhang). When I am done checking things out, I scan for my wife's fins and the DM's fins. I then swim to keep up with them. I am not navigating, I am not keeping track of other divers, I am not maintaining a mental DR on a "mental chart" for our location, I am focused on looking for stuff. It is relaxing and worthwhile. Sometimes I do a barrel role or helicopter 360 to check-out the other divers. I like hanging out in the group with no worries or responsibilities.
@boulderjohn 's post #69 is one of the best reasons for diving with a guide who has local knowledge.
@Chavodel8en 's post #66 is right-on and I have been in that situation more than once.
I believe that I owe the group to follow the leader's pace and location. Being the lone-wolf and "leading" the group from behind is not ethical. Are lone-wolves displaying a form of passive aggressive behavior when "leading from behind"? Controlling, maybe?
As for
@Pete's post quoted in Kimela's post, he is right as I believe his context was dependent divers who believe the DM will keep them safe and solve any problems they may have. I believe Pete knows that there are many good reasons for joining a guided dive.
@Kimela wrote: "Personally, I think it's a-ok for folks to follow a guide or dive master as a safety net."
I think that is OK as long as the dependent diver makes an agreement with the DM. The DM should know in advance that he/she is babysitting. I followed the DM and emulated them early on. They were usually the best divers in our group and had the most to teach me. I learned by watching them. However, I was not mentally DEPENDENT on them for my safety.
cheers,
m