Thanks for all the responses! Good discussion here if you ask me. I tend to lean towards SaintsReturn as far as the mental capability. Im also an avid skydiver with over 400 jumps, and I can tell you that sport isnt for everyone. If you freak out on a jump when somethings wrong chances are you die. SCUBA was very easy for me to get into because of its calm no time intensive aspect (ie mask clearing. If I cant do it on the first try no big deal so long as I have air.). Im of the mindset that people who are panic prone have no buisness putting themselves in high pressure situations.
About going deeper, I agree with the above post’s. I guess putting someone more in harms way won’t really improve their decision making skills in a paniced state.