Just to clear things up a bit: My buddy and I are usually very familiar with the shore sites we dive here on the Kona coast. It is also true shore accessibility may only be a very small spot, and therefore crucial to be familiar with the 'lay of the land' underwater via landmarks and/or compass (we both pack a compass, even at familiar sites). At times, usually due to poor viz, he or I or both of us may become temporarily disoriented. If I'm lost, and I'm not sure my buddy is not, I will surface. Ditto for him.
Everyone knows sawtooth dive profiles are a bad idea, especially when diving to depth. However, it's worse to take a guess at where you think the exit is, and miss badly, for the reasons given.