Speaking of selling gear to new divers...
In 2001, while doing pool exercises as a NAUI open water student, my instructor-provided BC fell apart on one shoulder. Very alarming for someone who hasn’t even done her check-out dive yet. Already knowing that diving was something I was going to do as long as I'm able, that incident prompted me (or should I say, scared me) to already invest in my own BC for my first descent in open water.
At the shop, I ended up choosing the SeaQuest Diva LX for its fit, comfort, and lift. I remain happy with that choice. My regret is allowing myself to be persuaded by the shop to have the optional Air Source alternate air inflator attached to the BC for supposed streamlining (It wasn’t a sales thing, the proprietor, an instructor himself, uses one and was excited enough about it to strongly recommend it). I did ask my instructor then if that was okay and he said just as long as I have it checked every six months.
Then, on my first ever liveaboard (only dive 24), I lost 100 psi upon entry. Dang free flow! Dang Air II! For the next three dives that same day around Puerto Galera and for the four dives the next day around Verde Island, my routine turned out to be: backroll, predictable free flow, fin to DM, DM hands over his octopus if we’re already underwater or doing negative entry, he shuts off my tank to relax the diaphragm, turns on my tank again, I shift back to my reg, and then enjoy the rest of the dive anyway. Every single time. It was bordering on the ridiculous.
When I got back to Manila, I asked the shop for an octopus. I was told that they’ll just adjust the Air II's sensitivity, that, really, I should give it a chance. And it was true that I had no more trouble -- was vigilant about equipment servicing, even got a PADI advanced open water certification along the way -- until last October (dive 118) when, upon entry (coincidentally, back in Verde’s waters), the diaphragm flew into the air and the hair-trigger was at it again. That was it! I was not going to be seduced this time (I at least had relatively more diving experience so I know it wasn't me :) ). I asked for an octopus and I was firm about it.
My octopus is six dives old and I’m still getting used to an extra long hose (unsure how to clip it the first time!) but, last Saturday (dive 125), I did find myself saying in jest to it, “Where have you been all my diving life?” if only for that small measure of psychological relief.
I confess that I have wondered (which I then dismiss with some guilt because, except for that Air II business, that shop has been great with sourcing/replacing gear) whether a dive shop should sell a diver who hasn't even had her check-out dive yet the reconfiguration they gave me. In the end of course, it's my responsibility, my fault, and I'm living-and-learning.