Extending the gold line at JB

[Aotus]

No. If we are going to say that you should always run a line anyway, I don't see the distinction from having the permanent line run out further in a high traffic cave like that.

The reasoning for having a line to the surface doesn't change because of an arbitrary limit.

And we're back on track! I agree with you on that. If the line were already extended to, say, just beyond the deco room, I would be taking the same position I am now - that the line should stay as is. I think either would be just as good, maybe a little closer to the entrance, into the cavern zone would be better. However, I think the burden of making one's case is on those who advocate change. Here, there needs to be some very good points made in support of the change. While I'm perfectly happy with the line where it is, I do believe there have been an adequate number of very good points made to justify the change. That said, my opinion doesn't matter at all in this.

[JohnAd]

However, I think the burden of making one's case is on those who advocate change. Here, there needs to be some very good points made in support of the change.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appeal_to_tradition

Appeal to tradition (also known as argumentum ad antiquitatem,[1] appeal to antiquity, or appeal to common practice) is a common fallacy in which a thesis is deemed correct on the basis that it is correlated with some past or present tradition. The appeal takes the form of "this is right because we've always done it this way."[2]

An appeal to tradition essentially makes two assumptions that are not necessarily true:

• The old way of thinking was proven correct when introduced, i.e. since the old way of thinking was prevalent, it was necessarily correct.
  (In actuality this may be false—the tradition might be entirely based on incorrect grounds.)
• The past justifications for the tradition are still valid at present.
  (In actuality, the circumstances may have changed; this assumption may also therefore be untrue.)

There is no greater burden of proof on either side; both have an equal burden. As you note, those advocating change have raised a number of points in support of that change. Those advocating the status quo have raised one--it forces divers to practice line laying skills.

[shellmoundal]

I will have a more educated vote after the NSS/CDS Workshop. I am going to hear what Edd's opinion is of the line question. He has more experience in this cave than anyone I know. Interesting thought but my opinion has no where the experience that Edd has. I will make my vote after hearing his take on the question.