When talking to Leon about the sidemount and my desire to get training on the unit in that configuration he prescribed precisely that strategy. Since your Meg instructor is the first officially recognized Meg sidemount instructor I don't think you can go wrong with that choice. Have fun and maybe we will cross paths during our quest for knowledge.My plan was to go to Bahamas and take OC sidemount training a couple weeks ago as a precursor to my Meg training next month, but I cancelled 16 hours before takeoff due to gov't interference. I figured it couldn't hurt especially as my Meg instructor is also an RB sidemount instructor (Liberty).
I don't see any downside to taking the OC sidemount training ahead of time. Especially if I can do some Bahamian caves while doing it.