Looking into Fundies, but what's holding me up is wrapping the long hose around the back of my neck. Due to a traumatic experience, that's a non-starter for me. Could I simply tuck the extra length in my waist strap and attach to the D ring as usual OR is the neck wrap a non-negotiable part of the standard?
As you see on the pictures, the hose is indeed around the back of the neck. I understand your experience of (il)logical fright based on previous experiences. Your fright while illogical to most of us, is absolutely logical based on your previous experience. This should not be taken lightly. Please do not heed too much attention to a few of the posters above.
If you for eksample are set on trying to get to technical diving, one of the reasons for using a longhose is to comfortably be able to both share gas, and continue the dive (ie, fulfil decompression obligations).
There is a good thing to being a rational mind as you seem to be. You know the cause of your fright. And you also recognise it to be illogical in other settings than your specific experience. This makes it possible to work with. Luckily. A long hose is possible to work with on your own safe a lonesome. If you want to make the investment of buying a long hose and switching it on your regs, you can sit in your couch at home. Watching tv. And slowly introduce the idea of having the hose in the correct position.
Even under water, no one else but you will put the hose on, or remove it. You will be in control.
I believe you can do it! Good luck.
(And please, I am not underestimating the hardship this can cause. A forumpost is just a very unsatisfying medium to use in this kind of situation)