I do agree with your points, but as pointed out in my previous post......
Generally the only time a SAR diver is required to jump with full gear and breathing apparatus is when submerging to get a ditched fast jet jockey out of his cockpit.....however in certain situations, such as upturned vessels or small boats/ dinghys, the rest of his skills and kit such as wet suit, buoyancy aid, fins, mask and snorkel are definately of use. sometimes you cannot get close enough to a small dinghy or liferaft without causing more distress due to the downdraught of the aircraft.
SAR Divers do have a reputation of being egomaniacs etc, but my point is that some of their equipment and skills could be used in a diluted form giving a more adaptable crewman, .....without the ego?...the red tights do look nice!!..hello sailor!!
there are different ways to skin a cat, different units have different ways of doing things....change is a good thing...it doesn't hurt