Thanks for your post. I have not been keeping up with it lately, but I`m glad to see it still generates interest. It kills me how somebody can take something as mellow and non-competitive as diving and screw it up with their macho attitude. All I can say is, I`m just trying to build my skills so I can be as independent as possible, even if I never go solo. It`s always hard for someone who is not very confident and assertive to get the blowhards to slow down, listen, and try to cooperate so that the fun can be shared by all. And I have been led into dangerous situations (not in diving, but other things) by charismatic individuals, or by the "gang". As far as an answer to your question, it`s kind of like finding a doctor you trust: ask around as much as you can, but ultimately you have to just plunge in and try each one to see what it`s like. Good Luck!