The Red Cross swim buddy model has never been 100% compatible with scubadiving and has always had some "cons" that are conveniently ignored to maintain support for the model by focusing only on the "pros" - even when multiple fatalities occur that are directly related to a buddy model.

A potential change in attitude that may be developing is the increasing number of solo certed divers and the recognition in some technical diving communities that some dives are more easily and safely conducted as solo dives (with due regard given to the need for prudence in planning and larger gas reserves.)

Now, we can argue that new solo rules would provide new ways for divers to circumvent rules, but the fact is that divers circumvent the current rules anyway. I've on occassion had a "third" diver conveniently place himself in our general vicinity when entering Peacock, and on a busy day it's not hard for a solo diver to enter or exit with other teams with no real risk of being identified by park staff as a solo diver. In that regard allowing solo diving for properly certed or qualified divers would probably enhance safety in the parks.