TraceMalin, perhaps I am wrong, but it seems to me like you're reaching in all directions, hoping to grasp something of substance because you feel like you have a bone to pick. Yes, we all know you are a great experienced diver and instructor with a lot of knowledge and skill. However, why are you so aggravated? With all your experience, don't you realize that scuba diving involves other people, and it's not necessarily the sport you want it to be, or that you dream it should be?
I don't know about other instructors, but my instructor never belittles any professionals, and PADI includes material in the beginner's textbook package that immediately shows a beginner the prestigiousness of reaching the Divemaster level. So I'm not sure where you get that professional's are downplayed or that we don't have high goals and aspirations.
In addition, when you said that an expert was "schooled" by someone with 4 pool dives, it just shows that you believe I have nothing to contribute to the community because of my lack of experience. And for the record, I just gave my opinion, and I didn't school anyone. But it is that exact attitude why young people avoid scuba diving. I can tell you that I absolutely hate meeting local veteran divers around my area, as 90% of them are pompous jerks who look down their nose at me just because I'm trying to learn how to dive.
Like I said, maybe I just misinterpreted everything you said.