Quote: (Originally Posted by
trob09)
I am not saying that it can't happen, it's just that it's not very freaking likely to happen in our lifetime. Again, look at the auto industry. Lots and lots of small improvements over time, but no true paradigm shift in concept. No hover-car, flying car, etc. The industry spends billions of dollars for people to sit around and think up new stuff and we are not that far from where we were in the 50's.
Is it possible that some tech development will spring forward and revolutionize the rebreather industry? absolutely. Is it likely? not in my opinion.
I tend to agree with you based simply on ROI. Is it possible? Absolutely. Look at the computer industry. 40 years ago, an electronic calculator cost about $1500 and only had four functions. The rapid growth in that industry was ONLY possible through the enormous ROI that existed. I doubt we will ever see those types of ROIs in the diving industry. Then again, every once in a while, we see micro industries that just explode, but usually based on a broad market appeal that wasn't widely for seen. I would definitely classify the current dive industry as a "micro industry" in the overall scheme of things, but I'm not sure the mass appeal will ever be there. "Too extreme" for way too many people!