What about the positioning...if you are holding one hand over your head, venting gas with your other hand, and spinning around like a tornado looking overhead for boats, who deals with your buddy who runs out of gas or has a problem?
By the time you realize there is a problem, stop spinning around, get in a horizontal position to fin over to him/her and render aid, he/she may be dead. Staying horizontal and facing each other allows you to know immediately if a problem develops and positions you in the swimming position ready to speed to your buddy's aid in case a problem does arise.
I agree with you on the vertical drag issue too...
By the time you realize there is a problem, stop spinning around, get in a horizontal position to fin over to him/her and render aid, he/she may be dead. Staying horizontal and facing each other allows you to know immediately if a problem develops and positions you in the swimming position ready to speed to your buddy's aid in case a problem does arise.
I agree with you on the vertical drag issue too...