In defense of PADI (Coming from a NAUI guy), I know some first rate instructors that are in fact, PADI instructors. I know some great divers who are in fact, PADI Divers.
I don't think it's fair to say PADI's crap. I realize as people, we'll rate an agency based upon observations of thier worst member, it's human nature.
Diver Brian: Not trying to say anything against you, but an AOWD is not qualified to rate an organization based upon number of dives to validate the classification of an AOWD regardless if you have 9 or 24 dives. Get 90 or 240 dives under your belt, then you'll have a better idea. It seems to be a popular trend for AOWD's to think they are "the stuff" I'm really not trying to jam you up, honest. I really have to call AOWD an "Advanced Learners Permit". I think the idea that a diver going from OWD to AOWD is excellent. It keeps them diving for one, (Remember, many people who complete thier OWD stop diving after a year, often to never pick it up again) it gets them MORE comfortable diving, Lets face it, OW divers just out of class arn't really all that comfortable nor have latent fears about diving subsided. It also gives a new diver a little more theory, a little more of an intro to dive physics, a better understanding and some practice at navigation, exposure to greater depths as well as limited vis diving. A common thing I hear from AOWD soon to be's is "Night diving? Crap! I don't know if I am up to THAT"! (Thanks to movies like JAWS and such) Numbers of dives, well, they will get those in their classes, and a chance to meet MORE divers in which to dive with, thus a greater incentive to continue diving. A social aspect of that appeals to many. For example, I enjoy talking to divers at any opportunity, not just students. Once again, the social aspect adds to comfort and being at ease under water. As they dive more, SAC rates go down, better bouyancy skills are developed.
If we're going to hang the title "Advanced" to have "top of the food chain" meaning, might as well set the standard to 100 dives. (oops, continuing education just went out the window) For this mentality, I think that's what "Master Scuba Diver" was intended for. (Emphasis on MASTER, as in "To master")
You made a good comment about the U.S. Navy's diver education being "superior" to recreational diver curriculum. I would certainly hope so!
-Dennis