this one single thing will drive me away faster then anything else. I have went to dive shops like this and immediately boycott them on my list of shops soley for this purpose. For instance the master diver challenge padi puts on. We all know its not a course and we all know some people dont take other peoples achievements the same way they do. When a diver tells me how stupid this is he automaticly sends up a flag that I can do better else where with more intelligent conversation.
It just erks me when people have to belittle other people for what they hold as an achievement. Ive went to shops and I have spoken to people on here who bash the master diver and I have also had arguements with people who could not understand that I have an opinion on nitrox.
My whole point is when someone comes to you dont bash them for asking a question and dont feel their head with your own one sided opinions. Be honest with them and allow them to make their own decision and respect them for their decisions. Encourage further achievement even if to you it seems petty or worthless. To them it may mean the world and encourage them to continue diving not just give up on it.
With the honesty it is very important to tell them if you think a higher priced regulator is better then dont tell them why it is but instead explain to them "I feel like this is better because......." and allow them to make the decision on their own
