I've had very good experiences with Scubaseekers in Dahab. Excellent divers and very well organized. Have not taken classes there yet, but I have heard so much praise for Sameh Sokar (the owner) that I wouldn't hesitate to take a class with him.Do you know these folks personally? Have you done training with them?
Also, are their instructors Egyptians only or expats?
BTW, to the OP:
diving air to 180ft does not sound very risk averse to me...