I recently dove my first solo dive under very good conditions and an easy dive profile compared to most of my dives.
Would I do it again?
Yes, though rarely and not my preference.
Was this "easy" dive ( shallow, good water conditions, a leisurely dive in terms of challenge, etc. ) safer solo than with a good buddy?
No - an incapacitating situation can develop where assistance can only be provided by someone else, no matter how optimum water conditions may be, how shallow, or what equipment redundancy we use. Use your imagination.
Was this solo dive safer solo than with an "unknown buddy"?
Possibly - some of the shortcomings, or buddy deficiencies have already been pointed out. Not to mention that a wreckless diver is not only a danger to himself but may very well endanger us as well. Use your imagination.
Should the above answer be used as a reason to go solo?
No - see prior question and answer. But it should be used as a reason to become self reliant. When we "buddy up" we have not only taken on the responsibility of caring for ourselves - but for someone else, too. If we can't even take care of ourselves, how are we going to take care of someone else.
This answer should also be used as a reason to ask questions of a new buddy, continuing dialog with an old buddy, and volunteering information about our diving ability and plans to our buddies.
It should also be used as a reason to critique our buddy with constructive criticism, whether we know him or not. I know, some poeple just don't take this kindly, but if enough buddies point things out maybe peer pressure will do some good. When a buddy does something totally stupid, he is going to hear about it from me after the dive. I will point out the problem, the solution and an explanation, or parts of one before the sensitive to criticism buddy butts in. I consider this part of my duty as a buddy. I did what I could to help my buddy and hopefully he will constructively muse over it when out of the limelight. By the same token this should also make us more amenable to constructive criticism.
Solo diving?
Its a risk/reward equation.
The risk, in my opinion, can be quite low under the "right" circumstances. The odds of an unexpected incapacitating injury (where assistance is necessary) is quite small overall. Though keep in mind - it only takes one to end it all, no second guessing, no second chance.
The odds of risk start increasing considerably with an increasingly challenging diving profile or conditions. Depth, overhead environment, weather, etc.
Buddy diving?
Its a risk/reward equation.
An untested buddy remains an unknown quantity, as to degree and quality of assistance that can be expected. This is something that can be improved by training and practice, starting with ourselves.
