If I could find someone with those qualities I'd love to dive with them. Problem is along with my schedule finding a competent buddy in those areas is difficult. Gear configuration is not an issue unless they are total disaters. Familiarizing myself with someone else's set up takes about two minutes regardless of their set up. Problem is usually with their buddy skills. Also I do not dive as if my life depends on the person I'm diving with. This is the flaw in the buddy system as taught today by many. If I'm not able to be totally self sufficient and need to rely on a buddy for anything other than a dire emergency then I need to work on some things or not do the dive. It is no more dangerous than driving or flying. I know the risks involved and accept them. If I could find a buddy with all of the qualities you mentioned then I would gladly dive with them. But in all honesty I would still solo because I still value highly the freedom and peace that it gives me. And that's why I dive in the first place. Freedom from gravity, stress, and the world in general. Peace from the solitude and relaxation, usually no sound except that of my breathing, and the lack of interaction with people. Only conversations are between me and the fish and my idea of what is in ultimate charge.