Walter:
You are making big assumptions. You are assuming DIR is safer and you are assuming having a buddy is safer. I disagree with both assumptions.
Actually, I was referring to philosophies, goals, and ways of looking at risks & rewards. One can argue all day long (and we do) as to whether or not DIR achieves the goal of minimizing risk by being a comprehensive, coordinated system of gear configuration, philosophy, training, and procedures; but most unbiased observers would agree that increased safety is the goal and driving force behind much of DIR.
I do not claim that all buddy diving is safer than all solo diving. Indeed, bad buddies can greatly increase risk (at least for the better buddy. Many people ignore that the risk for the "bad buddy" is significantly decreased -- but that's yet another discussion).
Lynne's original question is interesting and unique in that she phrased it in a way that it searches for a deeper answer than "I dive solo to avoid bad buddies".
You disagree that having a buddy is safer. Do you still disagree when the buddy is a well trained, experienced buddy with a good attitude? Do you still disagree when the buddy is a well trained, experienced buddy, that is also appropriately equipped and experienced in solo diving?
My point is that, by solo diving, I consciously choose to accept some risks that would be reduced when diving with a buddy. I don't have the need to try and justify it by trying to convince either myself or others that it is the saf
est possible way to dive. To me the criteria is whether the pleasure and enjoyment of diving alone are worth the risks of that particular dive.
In my case, it is more a case of "diving alone" rather than solo diving, since I use the same gear setup (no pony, no doubles) that I do when diving with a buddy.