I wouldn't consider a diver a full-fledged diver until they've called, aborted, and skipped dives. When you're new, you push yourself harder and take more risks (knowingly or unknowingly). Once you mature a bit, you realize that you don't have to make every dive.
On the last day of my checkout trip, I was down on a bridge span, when I started getting queasy. (I had been rather thoroughly seasick.) I hoped it would pass, but it was getting worse, not better. Thankfully, I'd learned early on that
anyone can call any dive at any time. I swam the few feet over to my instructor, gave him the "my gastrointestinal tract is telling me it would be in my best interest to begin my ascent at this time" signal, and made sure he was taking direct responsibility for J. (with whom I'd stay while throwing up my insides, if such were necessary for her safety). I made my safe, slow ascent (in the close company of others from my LDS), and by the time I hit the safety stop, I was purging my regulator in the eating disorder sense. I was really happy I was at the safety stop and not still on the bottom, as I couldn't help but think that throwing up while ascending counts as holding your breath. (I think like that. :biggrin
On dives since then, I've called them because I'm feeling unwell (seasickness, chilling cold, or "sinus pressure" indicating oncoming congestion). I've called them because I don't like the dive plan (tides, currents, depths, or whatever). I've called some because I'd decided that I was not going to take responsibility for the diver(s) I'd be diving with. I've even called more than a few because "I've got a bad feeling about this."
As for aborts or tactical realignments during dives, I've had more than my fair share of bad buddy write offs. I tend to get paired up with the odd man out, which I don't mind at all. Most of them have been anywhere from wandering to excellent. However, if they choose to swim off faster than I can keep up, or if they choose to do the saw-tooth profile from... well..., or if they do something else which is outside of the dive plan and my safety limits (like penetrating a wreck without any line, lights, or iotas of common sense), well, at that point they've chosen to solo dive.
I always dive prepared to be a solo diver, even though I pride myself on being the best buddy, team member, or leader possible -- I can be of more use to my buddy or team if I am capable of helping myself if necessary. If I've accepted responsibility to dive with you, I'll burn my air chasing you, and I'll never be oblivious to you. I've been thanked and complimented numerous times on my attentiveness, but if you choose to run away harder than I can follow, I'll cut you free and enjoy the rest of my dive, and we'll probably have a little chat once I see you topside.
