Hmm, may be my probelm was more of a cross-cultural nature. In our waters, where I also make my courses, good visibility is 10-12ft, average 5-7ft. In bad vis you hardly see your computer. To separate from a buddy and to not find him/her again is very easy. We were instructed to keep a distance of two stretched hands, more or less. It's sort of a habit, may be not a rule. Then also grabbing the buddies octo or suchlike is a viable option. DevonDiver, you really make me ask myself whether I should assume a more relaxed attitude toward the buddy system when in clear, tropical waters? If you as a Tech Instructor assess that in the described situation I had a support within a short distance, perhaps you're right and I'm overworried and should relax. Maybe everyone is everyones' buddy when diving in a group more or less together? It's a question, not irony. For my part even in a clear water, if the diptube of my tank valve gets clogged up (it happened to my friend in Egypt), I'd preffer a pony bottle on my side rather than a buddy who swims away in 30ft from me and whom I have to chase deeper down. Anyhow, advise to be more pro-active in agreeing on the rules is helpful.
Thank you friends for many good points from all of you.
J.