Or maybe not. I was on a trip a while back with an instructor who was recognized for having 1000 dives and he still had to wave his hands around to position himself in the water.
"We" teach positioning Skills to DM, as part of their modules for assisting in the pool etc. We expect helicopter turns and back kick. While we're not pushing GUE or Tech standards, it's unacceptable for a DM (or Instructor) to not be able to position themselves around the students in the pool/CW (or indeed OW) using their hands. Not only does is set a poor example, the DM/Instructor is not in control of their position.
I agree dive count is largely meaningless, and also setting a target can be difficult. Being able to dive warm (ish) water year round, means I can reach an annual dive count that may take someone just on vacation or cold water with a off season many years to achieve
I've also learnt that dive count has little to do with the ability to teach, and communicate dive concepts and theory etc.
Personally I'd prefer if there were an entrance test, which comprises of the current water skills (swim tests) but also has certain buoyancy and trim criteria.
The student has to reach a certain level of ability prior to starting the course, rather than having to spend part of the course getting to that standard. In reality the Student needs to prove they are ready to start the course, rather than paying money as an entry