Hey Darkcloud,
I am so sorry you have not had a good experience so far but I would not give up the dream just yet. I started to sign up for the PADI certification and think with the correct instructor and LDS you could receive the training you desire and need.
I only speak for myself when I say this, but I feel that taking the SSI course for certification was the best decision I could have make. I feel like I have an extra ordinary LDS though and my instructors were 1st class.
There were 2 instructors for 6 students, we spent about 2 hours in the pool for each of the 4 days of classes, learned each step and had to do them over, and over, and over until they were very comfortable. We have our open water dives coming up and it will consist of 2 days with 3 dives on one day and 2 dives the next.
I wanted to go scuba diving, but I wanted to know how to scuba dive just as much. I am 50 years old and while I do have an excitment addiction, I also have a desire to live addiction. After reading several books waiting on my open water dives for certification, I have realized just how important training can be and how thankful I felt that the training I received had me ready to ease into the water and begin exploring my dream as well.
I know my LDS and instructors told us that they would take us back into the pool enviroment, give us additional training in anything we didn't feel 100% comfortable with. We could sit back in on the classes if needed, whatever it took to have us prepared. This may just be because we have a great LDS with great instructors but I think I would ask to have then let you retake the class. Problem is that ( and I am a Microsoft Engineer) that the saying "garbage in-garbrge out, might apply. If the proper training isn't there, taking it twice wouldn't solve our issue probably.
I know that time and cost is a real issue with all of us, but there is no way I would attempt to dive if I didn't feel like I was ready. I honestly think I would recommend checking out the boards and finding a better dive shop and instructors and retake the training. Your life is the most important thing here, but please keep the dream alive. I know I am just as new to this as you are, but I feel like you can never have enough training.
Hang onto the dream, and let me know what you decide to do.
John:victory: