For the most part, I really enjoy the general lack of "chatter" underwater. I know I'd HATE diving if audio communication between divers was made possible in our team. Basic communication will always be necessary, but our "standard" hand signals cover the vast majority of those situations quite well. On the rare occurrence where more linguistic detail is needed, we just pull out the wetnotes and write down what we want to communicate. Talking, however, whether through an auditory or visual modality, just isn't something I want to bring to my own diving. I'd much rather enjoy the peacefulness of the underwater realm, and then talk all about it topside once the dive is over.
The problem with ASL is that you need 2 hands to communicate certain meanings. If you're doing a night dive or a low viz cold water dive, you're not going to be able to
a) use 2 hands
b) find enough contrast between your hands and the environment (ie. black on black neoprene)
I think it's a nice idea though for certain situations. But one can always get by with basic hand signals and some wetnotes if need be.
I agree.
I did mark down that I would like to learn, but I do not feel it would be the most needed skill out there. There is a large list to consider first. Communicating topside pre-dive is a big on for me in this vein.