I am skipping the poll. It is too restrictive as some have said. I'll just say I am a Solo advocate.
-Solo diving can be dangerous, especially for the macho, ego driven, inexperienced in general, inexperienced for a given dive.
-Buddy diving can be dangerous, especially with a macho, ego driven, inexperienced in general, or inexperience for a given dive, buddy.
-Diving can be dangerous solo or not.
-Diving is a relatively safe sport.
-Stupid hurts
-Driving to work is really dangerous.
-Riding a street motorcycle is something I gave up, but i still solo dive off my boat 40+ miles offshore.
-I heard skydiving may be dangerous too.
-I also hunt deer in icy weather from a climbing stand solo, I do wear a safety harness though, no pony tank.
-And so on and so forth...
Formal training is generally a good thing.
If you solo, up the conservatism, no pinnacle dives, or the like, no unfamiliar conditions.
With an unknown ( or flaky) buddy, up the conservatism, no pinnacle dives, or the like, no unfamiliar conditions.
I appreciate the folks who have accepted my Solo card and trusted me on charters to go about my business. I return the favor by being responsible.
I'm human, someday I may make a serious mistake with or without a buddy. It is a choice I have made and I respect and accept the risks.
Edit:
I am not anti-buddy. I have some great buddies and have enjoyed some great group dives and will continue to.
But, in the same breath I really enjoy some alone time too.