tough to determine the intent of the shops/instructors you’ve spoken to. I’ve done some training in FL (wreck, deep, EANx, Cavern, Cave) and some up north (I live in NJ) (drysuit, PPB, Underwater Nav, Advanced OW) so I’ve done a lot of what you’ve done. Dutch Springs is a good training ground. It’s a good place to get used to skills without the stresses of diving in the unforgiving ocean. Get the skills figured out then take them out to the real world. I’ve experienced about a dozen trainers. I absolutely have a shop in mind that I recommend - highly - if your goal is to get real good training. If you want cards, you can get them the way I did it - I’ve done a lot of that. Scheduling classes easily does not mean you’re getting any value for your money or that you’re getting good instruction. I don’t know that you’re not or that you don’t.
I didn’t choose carefully and spent a lot of money with some good training and some very bad training. I now appreciate that instructors ask questions. They’re interested in knowing my background as a diver and help me learn to be a better - and safer - diver. It helps them know if you’re a serious diver or if you’re collecting cards. Now I’m much more careful but I’m truly spoiled in that I’ve found outstanding instruction. If you’re interested in who that is, drop me a PM and I’ll tell you about it. good luck any which way you go.