As a one time DIR anti-Christ my self and lately full time CCR diver, you will appreciate I should be bias away from DIR rather than toward it. I also started diving in 1989 so I have got wet once or twice, especially today when my pee valve failed during my two hours of deco.
Yet despite all that I would say GUE (DIR) has a hell of a lot to offer and the DIR gigs at stony are fantastic. The line laying workshop is a must and the discussion on core beliefs is very interesting.
Yes, some people learn the system and argue its merits from a position of ignorance (lack of experience) but if you meet a DIR diver who has a lot of experience he will put forward very convincing arguments for the same points.
They don't do proper CCR but if they did id be signing up. As it is i just nick several of their concepts and integrate them into what I do when I dive with my regular buddies.
ATB
Mark