you said "There should be more to initial training than a set of basic skills. Mental attitude, is at least as important as the skills and can only be imparted by experienced divers, not divers with 50 or 100 dives." It is the market. As an instructor I agree that it takes all that and a passion to see people succeed successfully and more important safely. Its hard to convince a perspective Scuba student of this when they can go down the street and get the same card for the $99 special. Some need to revisit the reason for introducing others to the wonders of the aquatic world. They also must acknowledge that sometimes the right answer is `this is not for you`.
My .02cf worth
Take care and Best Fishes!! `•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸>