I don't see this as a reduction of standards, but just to redesign a business model. When I could join on my level, I had done it years ago. But starting over again, no. It can be a strong point, but is also a weak point. Not every diver want it and not every diver need it. Yes, such a course can be usefull for a lot of divers, but there are more options. And some really don't need it. This is still a point they hold. It works in their business model.
I decided to start ccr and sidemount. I had to choose from other agencies, they had another business model and I as customer was happy to choose the right products. If you decide not to sell ccr and sidemount courses, you don't fullfill the whole market. No problem, but then as business you see people moving from your company to another. Hmmm, maybe time to sell also the other products? As long as enough people will start from the beginning (or as beginner, or willing to pay to start over again) you can hold this. If you see a reduction of this, then you have to change your businessplan. All business think they do the best in the market and sell the best courses.
This is also a nice article:
An Evaluation of the Modern Scuba Diving Training Industry
And remember, some like the rigid DIR philosophy, others not, others like the recreational sidemount way, or want to start ccr diving early. At the end we all deal with the same physics in the same ocean. There are no stats that state X is better then Y.
As diving agency, certification agency, you have to look often at your business model. Hashtags on Facebook for example became important the last years to promote things. If you don't follow it and don't change from time to time after re-evaluation, your part of the market will getting smaller and smaller. Do you want to focus on all divers, only on sportsdivers, or do you want to focus on the rich divers? Diving is also a brand now. I earned my Padi is shouted often. I am a IANTD diver, I am a 'DIR'-diver, etc.
Iti s getting a little bit offtopic. But to choose the right way for you: The best instructor is a worse instructor if it doesn't fit your personality.
And be critical in yourself and your instructor. You must want to improve, train, excercise, if you think it is just for fun and I know it all, sorry, but it will not work. And the instructor must have a high level of his own skills and experience. Then ask yourself does the personality fits? Because you have to work several days,weeks, months with such a person. If this all is a yes, go for it.
