Imported post
Y'know, I'm not much happier about it myself, but thinking about it in the long term (After I stop whinging about having to replace a load of dive gear for no benefit to myself) I think it'll actually lead to quite a few good things. Depending on how it's implemented.
If adaptors are allowed, we'll all spend a tenner on the new Woz DIN-DIN convertor and the problem will be solved, no real issue.
If they rule out adaptors of any sort, then everybody who uses Nitrox will have to use the new DIN thread. Therefore the new DIN will become the industry standard, for the same reason the air-only computers are a dying breed, as everyone buys Nitrox-capable ones instead - it saves replacing them later as they progress in diving.
If everybody will only buy the new Nitrox valves, A-clamp will finally vanish into the history books where it belongs as DIN will be the only option for a buyer who wants upgrade potential in their dive gear. Again, this assumes the new rules outlaw adaptors, and therefore prevents the use of convertible valves.
If everybody, even air-breathing novices, have Nitrox valves, then they'll only be able to get air from Nitrox-pumping compressors. This will, hopefully, lead to all compressors being clean-air only, which may even result in a relaxation of the absurd "Clean every year" regulations, as there will no longer be the argument that people might put non-clean air in their Nitrox cylinders.
It might even lead to Nitrox becoming a standard gas from day one instead of an advanced course later on.
So whilst I'm no happier than anyone else at having to, potentially, get my regulators cleaned to get the new fitting added, buy new valves and maybe even new cylinders, I can see that, a few years down the line, it'll be considered a good move, as the entire diving community will be using DIN fittings and clean air/Nitrox.