Had meant to post this earlier - there’s another good reason for running both directions to check current, aside from averaging out wind & wave differences. Occasionally the deeper current reverses, decreases, or increases from the surface current. With wrecks being fish magnets, modern instruments can show where & how the fish are grouped (generally on the down-current side of the wreck). The captain can use that information to make an informed estimate of what the deep current is doing. This additional data can make or break a hot drop.
I get what you’re saying about a static drift, but the powered method eliminates most non-current variables when done correctly. If I’m spending most of a day and a bunch of money to get dropped on a 150’+ wreck, I want the captain to have as much accurate information as possible to set up the drop distance and direction with a solid chance of making it onto the wreck. It’s a lot like figuring out winds at different altitudes when you’re spotting in skydiving, if you’re familiar with that.
Lance