your absolutely right brian... dive computers allow us so much additional bottom time no matter how "conservative" one is in comparison to another. Compare them to using the Padi RDP and see what conservative really is. I've considered even bumping up the conservatism on my cobra to P1 on certain dives just to be safe. Do we really know what the long term effects of pushing the limits on a regular basis are? Do these limits always take into consideration the fact that you're older, overweight, and/or out of shape? Heck, i'm 26 and nowhere near overweight, but the fact that I'm not in greatest cardiovascular health of my life right now troubles me. Every risk factor puts the odds against you a little more and should make you lean more and more towards conservatism. Its our responsibility to promote and maintain a good image of our sport. For every diver that dies because they foolishly push the limits, someone's inhibitions about becoming a diver are strengthened and the growth of our sport is inhibited.
What was the reason for this thread again? Sorry for the long speech...