I think it is ridiculous that people show their number of dives like it is some badge of honor.
I do not. If I were your stockbroker, would you want to know how many trades I have made? I would. If I were your girlfriend, and I was quite adept at certain areas of sexual expertise, would you want to know how many people with which I had relations? I would. If you are going to give me diving advice, based upon your experience, then I want to know how much experience you have. This is why my diving profile is filled out as much as possible on here. If I promulgate a practice or technique, then people should know who I am, and what kind of diving I do. This gives them a frame of reference. Does dive count indicate a skill level categorically? No. It is a strong indication? Yes. I would take advice from someone with 2,000 dives (Bob Bailey anyone?) before I would take advice from someone who does not display their dive count (like yourself).