What event made you head toward/away from DIR?

[matt t.]

    Sounds like you have the right attitude about learning. DIR is NOT a certifiying agency. There is some latitude in the "big 3" that does allow an instructor to teach their classes with a DIR approach. I guess this would depend on the teaching philosophy of the instructor or LDS that you take the classes from.
    As far as the "elitist attitudes" goes. I don't think you're going to find that around here. All of the DIR divers that I have met are more than happy to talk about the "system" (that's for you "Trey" ;D). The gear works for any diving around here (recreational to tech) and the dive planning/gas management aspects work well if followed. I think Deep Blue is planning a DIR-F class this fall. Good luck in your studies.