8:1 is instruction in name only as it is. It means the 0-2 naturals in the class already got it, 2-3 worst students will get just enough instructors attention not to die, and the rest are left to sink or swim. Might still beat them getting a set of second-hand gear and figuring it out on their own in the shallows, but not by much.If you have no need for a DM for your class size and they want to tag along, fine. If you're using them to increase your ratio, I don't care if they're still wet behind the ears from their DM check out dive, pay them.