Dont get me wrong I dive solo, but whenever possible I do dive with a competent buddy. Time and time again you hear of solo divers losing their lives OC and Rebreather. However you must pick a buddy with excellent skills, a great diver is a great asset a poor diver is a great liability. No matter how much redundancy you have or how good your skills are, there may come a time when you need help.....no buddy, no help. Statistically speaking most accidents have occured while diving solo.
Dave,
I do agree in part though, I have a buddy that I trust and visa versa, weve been diving together for about 10 years and have indeed needed each other a few times. As for a randomly picked cattle boat partner, not a chance then I'd be solo....Just preffer to dive with a great buddy....