In the past I have made some dives with a group. Instead of being assigned a specific buddy, we just stuck together as a group. It seemed like an OK idea at the time but looking back I recall several times when I had to put up my arms to defend myself from being kicked in the head, not intentionally, of course, but if 4 or 5 people are trying to stick together, this problem seems inevitable. I think I've been luck to have seen a fin, out of the corner of my eye, heading my way and was able to react. It's got me thinking that maybe diving in pairs is the way to go. I'm interested to hear your thoughts, experiences.