First, I'm not saying Avelo will become mainstream however here's some points......
* Upgrade path to tech, deep, multiple bottles, rebreathers has been mentioned by a small worldwide group of divers for oh, DECADES.....And it hasn't become mainstream. I don't think rebreathers will EVER become "mainstream" due to the same thing people are pissing on the Avelo product.
* 90+% of people diving regularly or considering diving want "Into the Blue" movie experiences. Clear warm water wearing less crap and seeing "the pretty fishes" as all my long time Great Lakes cold water friends piss on, LOL......I did those cold deep dives as a young person but not since my 40s have found it "fun".
* Avelo set up means less crap to swim around with underwater (yes, that's what you're doing as "sport diver") meaning more enjoyment and "perceived adventure" or whatever. Why do think there are thousands (tens of thousands?) more snorkelers worldwide than divers? Because it's EASY......
* OSEA is 1000% correct o his observations. I host dive trips and see many, many divers who "think" their buoyancy is better than they actually are. Not saying training and more practice couldn't improve their skills but this is the current (and future) state of "sport diving".
* People who will drop $1K or more for a cell phone wouldn't blink at $3K for a "less is more" rig.....Or simply get trained on it and go to where it's offered. Maybe scale of getting it at more places is a challenge but who knows?
I could think of more reasons diving isn't growing but the complexity of modern gear (some blame due to liability factors primarily in the USA) plus manufacturers making something as wonderful and useful as the revolutionary dive computer more complex than necessary.
Do you know how FEW active divers need 3 gasses really, WTF????
All the more complex factors contribute to people going and buying a bicycle, or taking up PickleBall or whatever.....Strapping on 4 tanks, diapers or a pee valve, 1-2 hour set up to be sure to not kill yourself for short bottom time? Sure doesn't appeal to the masses in may opinion.
Will Avelo change the sport diving community? I don't know.....
But after 55 years diving (3 Asia trips in the last 6 months at almost 71 years old I think it's a step in the right direction.
Just one old guy's opinion and my thoughts aren't meant to diss anyone's diving activity or gear choices
David Haas