I am likely an outlier here, but personally have not seen a need to get an AOW card, and have not done so. While I don't plan on doing any of the deep Florida wreck dives, or do a liveaboard, that requires AOW, I have not been restricted or prevented from doing any dives I have wanted to do. Because of my age, when I am diving with an unfamiliar dive op, I am sure of being looked at pretty carefully during the first part of the dive, but DMs soon realize that I won't likely be the problem diver in their group. I am not saying that there is not learning to be achieved in an AOW course, but think it would generally be a waste of time and money for me at this stage of my diving hobby. For a new diver, AOW might be a good option, but should not be considered something to be rushed into, or necessary to be completed (unless the AOW is needed for a certain desired dive).