I think your LDS may be full of ****...
(note: '****' is an Australian term, approximately analogous to the politically correct American; 'sh*t')
The primary functions of a weight system is it has enough weight to counter the boyancy of the rest of your gear, and that it does not fall off inadvertantly. (Use a good buckle - I believe all plastic buckles slip, so use only metal)
Secondary charactistics, in descenting order of importance;
Easy to put on
comfortable to wear
Can adjust total weight as requirements change
Able to be ditched in an emergency
Colour co-ordinated with the rest of your gear
Cheap
I own both a pouched belt, and a traditional hard weight belt. I use the hard weight belt because my GF claimed the softer belt (as it is significantly more comfortable), and she would cause me more pain that the hard weight belt does...
FWIW, I prefer a seperate weight belt because I take my BC off underwater from time to time. With integrated weights, this would result in my BC sinking, while I went polaris (it's cold here, I wear either a 7mm or drysuit). I like for both me and my BC to be slightly negative at depth if we are seperated...
Mike
