The encounters posted in this thread could have all been eliminated by checking gear before you get in the water or not putting yourself in situations where a redundant gas source is warranted. I'm not saying it's wrong to have a pony. I'm saying that most of the incidents you read about could have been avoided in the first place. Not every OOA is the result of a first stage spontaneously exploding.
I know, I know. Everyone wants to hear others' opinions...unless they differ from your own. I'll go away now.
In general I agree with your point.
I think earlier in the tread I made the point that, the UK 'recreational diving' norm is different from the USA 'recreational diving' norm. One other point is that Californian diving is different from diving in New York. The UK, I would suggest is probably closer to New York.
As a general rule, UK diving involves.
1. Cold water diving
2. Low visibility
3. Low Light Levels.
4. Higher risk of entrapment/entanglement
5. Deeper
6. Compulsory decompression
7. Strong Tidal Waters
8. High risk of diver separation
(However, visibility can be fantastic, light levels superb. We also have hugely historical wreck sites, like the
HMS Colossus. and wonderful marine life, - both macro and wide angle)
This is reflected in a number of ways, equipment, diver training, expectation.
British divers are taught to dive as buddy pairs, not as a group. The DM guide leading 10 or more divers in the UK, is generally unrealistic, it is often difficult to maintain visual contact with a single buddy.
There are thousand of dives done, with a standard single cylinder, BC/Wing, and Regulator + Octopus. These are carried out without incident. Many divers only ever use an Octopus during training.
Part of the issues with boards like this is they are international, the discussion are carried out between divers of significantly different levels of experience, both number of dives and enviroment. This can cause diametrically opposed views, confusion, etc. But if nothing else, its an education to be involved in them, it's nice to have the opportunity to learn something new.