To answer your question, there is side mount, small doubles, slung left, slung right, inverted back mount. Side mount caused issues with carrying tanks to water, small doubles had issues with valve access. Slung left had issues with slinging due to weight on arm and movement. Right slung was in the way. Both slung had the issue with carrying to water. I could go on, but you get the point.
Beyond 60-70 fsw I have difficulty making a safe ascent without gas. I don't rely on buddies when my life is at stake. So, if the dive is planned for shallow I don't bring the pony. Any dive planned beyond 60 fsw I add the pony. So, there is nothing else I can do to mitigate the risk other than adding equipment. I agree that diver skill and actions should be first, but if that cannot mitigate the risk, then adding equipment is necessary. You can take minimalist to a certain point, then you need equipment.
My point is very simple, just because it works for you does not mean it will work for everyone. There are many kit configurations because we are all different and enjoy diving in different ways. I agree that some are better than others for most folks, but not all. I have tried and will continue to move towards the better configurations that will work for me. I like the discussion and have tried to point out the answers/reasons to the questions/suggestions that arise. I do tend to take offense when someone implies that I am less than honest/sincere in my responses. I want to educate folks that some of us dive configurations for specific reasons, not just because we don't know any better.
