B.C. Choices

[SmithDiving]

Nice thread people.  I think that maybe there aren't alot of jacket supporters here because the active mnscuba users tend to be more experienced divers (too bad).  I think it is generally easier to teach and learn to dive in basic equipment and then progress to more advanced? gear after the basic skills have been mastered somewhat.  I have tried teaching buoyancy and trim to new divers in BP&Ws & it is much more difficult to "get" control IMO. 
My take on pockets & attatchments is that alot of divers go through a progression of 1 - no extra gear, 2 - a few items like a slate or light, 3 - stuffing or hanging evertything but the kitchen sink, to 4 - as little extra gear as possible.  I don't think the lack of pockets should be that big a deal.  As Lonnie points out there are lots of options for keeping all the extras stowed, plus you get to use all those neat shiny clips and rings.  Nothing wrong with tie-wraps either.