Actually, I see the different points quite well for not being a businessman. I agree that the business gets split.
Mike, I don't envy you. You seem to care about training standards and divers. I just remember another saying in the scuba industry. "If you are going to be a millionaire in the scuba industry, start with two million dollars."
I, too, get frustrated with the high prices. The problem is that I love (some would say that I am addicted to, especially at the LDS) the sport. The LDS is a great place to hang out and talk diving. The reason that many dive shops (ours included) started catering to Tech Divers is that they spend money after they get certified to get more training and more equipment. This why Dive Rite is turning into one of the best selling brands at our shop. Actually, some our Tech Divers talked me into diving with them and I love it now.
But, divers, the high prices are not the fault of the LDS. This is a niche industry. There will only be so many divers certified. If you need to shop LP to keep diving, then feel free. But, let's just do what we can to keep the little guy in business. In the case of our LDS, I won't worry about it until the man that started it passes on and no one takes over. Maybe we'll get his son to do that.

The current owner has earned the business of about two generations of divers in this area and is a very shrewd businessman and one of the best instructors in the state. And he has a wife with an excellent job, who he gives a lot of credit for helping him to keep the doors open.
Let's everybody just blow some bubbles, and I'll meet you underwater (where I seem to live anyways). Dreamin' says it best. No one way will please everyone.