The issue of liability keeps coming up regarding this issue. I just dont buy it. As pointed out by others, safety critical parts such as brakes for autos, and likewise equipment from many other industries, are available to any consumer who wishes to purchase it. The manufacturers liability is generally limited to the manufacture of a defective product. Not for shortcomings caused by the person servicing or operating the product. Removal, installation, modification, use, general maintenance and proper use, or lack thereof, is the responsibility of person or business doing so. Sure, anyone can sue anyone for any reason for, but I doubt litigation brought on by a person who, for whatever reason, failed to properly service his equipment will go very far either against the company making brakes for cars or service kits for SCUBA regulators. Truth be told, the manufacturer who takes it upon itself to train regulator technicians, considering what appears to pass for training, (based on numerous posts here by those with first hand experience in this matter) should indeed be very concerned about liability issues arising in this matter.
Awap touched on the reason why manufacturers protect their dealers. Service is a source of revenue for the dealer. Not only in terms of parts and labor for service, but by keeping and bringing in customers who will make additional purchases from the local dealers. A mutually beneficial relationship.
The fact is, whether we look at the auto market or the SCUBA market, the size of the do it yourself market is a very small portion of the overall market. The majority of those who perform their own servicing fall into two categories: 1) the person who wants to save money, for various reasons, and 2) the hobbyist, who for various reasons, including the aforementioned one, also prefers to do it himself. Again, the overwhelming majority will prefer to have a qualified tech perform their equipment service.
It seems to me that allowing dealers to determine for themselves whether they wish to sell regulator service kits to the public allows them to more precisely target their their market. This would be in the interest of all parties, including the consumer. This would allow the manufacturer and dealer to reach out and attract a greater number of customers, whether brick and mortar or online sales, but thats a different issue.
Its always good to get the manufacturers perpective on issues of interest to the hobbyist, even when only a partial picture is presented. Just being brutally honest. I do appreciate ScottZeagles effort to reach out to existing and future potential customers by taking advantage of this relatively new medium of communication. .
