I'm not sure what is meant by this? Just because they are smaller and run less trips they are "2nd tier"? I'll just assume the only implication there is that they just don't have as much of a reputation/client base yet as some of the other shops... because they are certainly not 2nd tier when it comes to quality.
I've posted in other threads - I have been to KL several times and my experience with KLDC was the best I had with any shop (out of 5 or so shops). They were the only shop where I have been able to plan ahead with specific sites (that were an atypical dive profile for KL) and have the exact plan executed (vs one of the dive sites changing without notice). GREAT experience with both the shop and the captain.
I don't think you would go wrong with Q or SW, either, and if I couldn't go out with KLDC, they would be my choices, but I was just very impressed with the extent to which KLDC worked with me and let me choose the sites based on my dive planning. There were a few trips where it was just me and my buddy on the boat - they go out with two.
My personal preference is the six packs, you aren't going to see me recommending anything larger, so that should be taken into consideration
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