Obviously, many of us have issues with back mount.
Then... don't side mount!
It's just that easy. It's a personal choice to go one way or the other. I have had a lot of fun side mounting and it's easier to get double the air in remote locations without having to lug manifolds and bands. Also, I don't need to rely on my buddy to tell me that there's a leak: it's right in front of me and even Captain Obvious would be able to figure it out. Unlike back mount, if I have to share air, we can actually switch tanks mid dive. Most of the problems I have encountered have been trying to incorporate back mount procedures into a side mount environment. I am finding that it's just best to rethink the whole process and come up with solutions that are unique to side mount. I love the diversity we have in diving. I think it makes all of us think and rethink how we do things. Is this really a problem or simply a blessing? I think the latter.
