I don't think you can pick and choose bits. The DIR system is based around a way of thinking that sort of says this is the best we can some up with for the time being (not the best period - but the best compromise) and this is the way we should all behave and kit out. That way we are all aware of what each other is doing.
If you don't buy into that you are not following the agreed standards and so you are an unknown factor.
People see it as a kit thing, it is not. Hogarthian is not so far away and god knows how many arguments there are about that (I've had a few
) but HOG is not as cut and dried as DIR.
DIR is a good system. It has a place in diving and IMO has been something that has improved standards generally. The BS and arguments have mainly been on the internet not in the real world. GI3 was notorious as an internet gobshite, but every report I have seen of people who met the guy in person was positive.
No. I think breaking the system down is to misunderstand that it is just that - a system - eat it all or don't start.....
Chris