Steve, if I put my name down I expect to pay a share of the boat even if not everyone pitched up; late cancellers can ram it and I expect them to pay. I would like to do some undived stuff but when on OC and deep it becomes an expensive game.
I think people are coming under more pressure, both time and money. This is the same for the skippers with the cost of diesel going through the roof.
Spending £80 worth of gas for 25mins on the bottom at 60m on what could be a pile of rocks isn't great, especially if it was a mid-week gig when you had to take time off work (not that I work that often before you say anything Steve!!)
£80 for gas, £50-70 for a boat, diesel/petrol to the mooring, hotels. It becomes a big thing to try and justify to yourself and family (if you have one) when costs for one day are the same as a nice weekend away with the missus/someone else's missus/a bird you are trying to impress
Regards
PS Thanks for getting the end of May sorted. Still trying to get some contacts sorted!!