LioKai:I do not qualify under the heading of "a DIR diver" because I have not taken the courses under that heading, or purchased the "specific" DIR gear, nor have I even read any legitimate information of the subject. I have choosen not to enter this realm purely based on the rantings of who are commonly refered to as ... well, you have heard them rant. This is unfortunate for many of us because I think that we all improve with a sharing of knowledge. From what I understand from conversations with (real) DIR tech divers is that the original basis of DIR is (but not limited to) the concept of both human and dive gear function, ability, and performance, all wrapped around consistancy. A positive attitude toward health and fitness, and an understanding of your own limitations. I feel that I can do all of this without someone elses stamp of approval.
Unfortunately the surface area of DIR is skinned pretty thick with external marketing of specific products, an aire of elite snobbery "I am and you are not" private club status, and a holyer than thou attitude.
The worst part of the entire contoversy is the fact that many divers are either hidding behind their own group-based DIR blanket of fear of redicule, or straying away from other pieces of safety equiptment or techniques (some DIR, some not) because of being told that "this other way is the ONLY way".
Personally, I don't care how long you have been diving, or where, or with whom you have trained. There is no substitute for an open mind and a willingness to learn. And this goes for the newly certified as well as the vintage "C" card holders.
There are old divers and there are bold divers but there are no old bold divers. I am a firm beliver in the idea of 'a good diver is always training'. I have been diving since 1990 and I have well over one thousand dives, and I learn something new every day. Weither I am playing or working, on the water, in the water, or in the repair shop.
There is no substitute for experience. Fortunately, the more experienced divers can pass on their experiences on what went wrong so others can learn and ADAPT..
Another aspect of official DIR that I dislike is the reluctancy to try and use things that definately work and make like easier instead of moving people away from something that they may have and work well with...
A simple example is "billy D" rings, sold by a few companies (halycon isn't one) under various names, the best is highland mills.. These make put on and taking off stages a breeze even in 3 finger mits... They will let you use them in Dir-F but its gone by tech-1..