Wow, I really appreciate all the responses. I will certainly check out all of the sites recommended. I am seeking to become an instructor, and as I was told the 5 specialty courses are not really required, I think to become a Master Diver they are. Not 100 percent sure on that though, but figured knowledge could never hurt, and decided to go with that.
I think the major difference in dive shops in the North, rather than down South, in my humble opinion, is that you can dive down South year around, and business are built on that premise. Up North, most shops are only opened as a seconary business venture, and rightfully so.
I certainly could understand those that like to wreck dive. I get the love of the history, and I too think about those unfortuante that have died, and what they must have gone through. A little morbid to me though. I, however, have never had a bigger smile on my face when I dove and a manatee and her cub/baby/pup swam right by me, and, so I think, sniffed me. Smiling now as I think about it. But, to each his own.
Again, thanks for the input, and it’s certainly nice to know that others share my thoughts, and it’s not just me being "spoiled." I am fortunate enough to have family down South, so loding and meals are free, and thank goodness for cheap flights.com, and other sites. Will probably make pre-arrangements with year round dive shops, and become an instructor that way. But I promise those who feel my pain, when I’m an instructor, I will conform to what the people want. :)