I have am not going list my background in diving but it is varied, extensive and spans 68 years....I have never seen or had a tank valve fail nor had a first stage fail....to load up the extra gear via two regs & valves, 3 knobs, extralong hoses and a multitude of regs/gauges is in my estimation the wrong way to stay safe underwater...it creates many more failure points; the extra gear does not make a diver safer, skill and judgement does.. honestly when I see masks on backwards and no snorkels allowed or carried, it is a regression from safe diving and more for showing an image...OK...only my experiences and views...to each their own... simplicity and skill development always wins over more gear. Specialized dive protocols in overhead environments do make sense; but how many are truly participating in "Tech"? But to say no diving on air beyond 130 fsw or solo diving is ridiculous. Doing it right is not a dictum from on high but should be an invitation for doing what works best for the individual under the conditions of their dive.
Not knocking anyone's training or background, just bumping into today's mandated dogma in the diving community and lack of individual choice or accountability to me is the sad demise of what was once a lot of fun. Diving is supposed to be an individual adventure and not about 'adding to cart' to meet strident "thou shalt" standards. Remember unlike Dumbo and his feather, competency not gear will keep you safe.
Out Here