Its been interesting watching this thread progress
Regarding the sidemount diver in the picture, Ive seen its very easy to take pictures of someone that arent flattering. As a photographer I promise my models that no bad shots will ever see the light of day. Ive even got photos of friends who intentionally rigged things up silly for a photo in open water when we were just playing around.
That said, one of the problems with sidemount is the lack of standardized hose routing. Ask 9 sidemount divers what is the proper hose routing and youll get 10 answers. I know this because I can support multiple hose routing configurations as being logical and reasonably safe. And of course, even if we all have our ideas about what is safe and isnt, and how well dive and who well dive with, Ive learned its not always black and white.
I dont see the concern with cutting off an SPG. Ive scratched several, flooded several, but never cut one off. I have had two Miflex hoses burst, but both did so out of the water. Even if an SPG does burst, the gas loss is not as great as an LP hose bursting. Im much more concerned with the length and routing of the 2nd stages.
Regarding the age of a diver, of course the age doesnt have anything to do with the factuality of a statement. Additionally, Ive also seen that age doesnt necessarily correlate to the mental attitude of a person.
Even more than that, Ive learned that its very easy to take things too seriously on the internet, to take things the wrong way on the internet, and to focus too much on telling people what to think of you on the internet. I still fully support the use of the internet, I still think forums are the best thing since sliced bread, but I also understand better how quickly people can be to fight or disagree on the internet, when if they met in person they might find each other perfectly tolerable. In that sense, Ive also learned that what happens on the internet doesnt always matter all that much
someone can insult me, naming me or not, and its sometimes better to not even grace them with a reply.
Regarding mentoring, I think its very important for experienced divers to mentor the less experienced, and very important for the less experienced to humbly be mentored. Ill admit to being cocky from time to time, but I also will readily admit that Ive learned a lot from hearing and seeing what others do. I definitely dont intend to be rude or insulting to almost anybody.
Regarding achievements and age and diving
the person who said not to base your opinion of yourself on your achievements has it right. Im very proud of my achievements, but there are plenty more people with much greater achievements. I dont lose sleep over it, I try not to toot my own horn about what Ive done, I just enjoy being myself. Im rarely the youngest, the oldest, the smartest, the dumbest
Ive rarely dove the cave first, dove the cave last, dove the tunnel the furthest, laid the most line, created the best map, taken the best picture, or had the best gas consumption. Im rarely the thinnest, rarely the fattest, rarely the strongest, rarely the weakest. At the end of the day, I can clearly point out to you the person that I want to be most like, and the attribute he is most known for is his incredibly kindness and willingness to help people succeed.
Id still like to know more about why you chose to get certified. Would the boats not let you dive SM without a card? Are there other SM divers who can mentor you? Did you cover tank removal in the class? What about using a 7 hose: none, 1 or both tanks? How many bands did he have you use to hold down the hose? Where did he require you to put the inflator? Did the training tell you to switch every 500psi, or do a 6th 3rds 6th switch? Second stages stored bungeed around your neck or clipped off? Left hand second stage or around the neck routing? 90* adaptors on the 2nd stages or no?