Nailer,
I am moving toward being a DIR diver. Unlike a lot of folks on the internet, I chose to get my information DIRECTLY from the source. My goal was (and is) to become the very best diver my ability, time, and money would allow me to be. I then set out on a path to try to accomplish that. I want to do wreck diving. However I live smack dab in the middle of Cave Country USA. But I probably live in one of the very best states for wreck diving as well. I am spoiled. In order to reach my goal, I did some important thnigs you might consider.
1. Define what kind of diver you want to be if you can.
2. Research as much as you can what divers are doing that kind of diving, and doing it well.
3. Attempt to find the very best instruction you can REGARDLESS of agency.
4. Try to read current materials on diving philosophy and requirements of different agencies.
5. Sign up for classes and get educated.
For my own part, I ordered the GUE books by Jablonski and by Dan Mackay. I read JJs's book 3 times to let it sink in. I spoke to DIR divers locally, and on the internet. I spoke to divers trained by IANTD, GUE, NACD, NSSCDS, TDI, ANDI, NAUI, and CMAS. In considering what I wanted to do, I decided that I wanted training from GUE, NACD, and IANTD. I have taken one IANTD class and one GUE class in the past 5 months. My NACD class is in June.
A lot of people out there have things to teach you that will help you become a better diver. Find them, and listen to them. After reading JJ's book, I emailed him. We had a good conversation over email. Then I met him, and spoke with him about GUE and taking his class. I asked when *HE* would be teaching a class, and I waited and signed up for it. Not that there aren't other excellent, and perhaps better instructors in GUE, but for my introduction, I wanted it to come from the source. I'm glad I did. It helps that he lives 2 hours from me. My IANTD class was given by someone on their board of trustees. My NACD (a cave diving organization) will be given by it's president.
I say this not to brag, but to try to encourage you to seek out the VERY BEST training you can get your hands on REGARDLESS of agency. I am fortunate to have these gentlemen close to me. There are VERY good instructors close to you as well. Go talk to them and listen to what they have to say. Listen to it with an open mind. Don't just talk to one guy or one agency. Hear at least 3-4 and then make an informed decision.
I personally think DIR is an excellent program for a lot of reasons. It has it's pitfalls, but I choose to accept them and move on. However, I do not follow blindly. The nice thing, is that DIR invites questioning. Questioning means you are thinking, and if nothing else DIR advocates thinking divers.
Welcome to the forums, and I hope your interest in DIR grows as you choose your path. It is one of the few paths currently available to divers that will honestly promote excellence in your diving, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly on that regard alone.
-P