Folks,
A mass produced new double hose regulator ain't EVER going to happen in the U.S. One other BIG reason...Lawyers and liability. The two guys who started Atomic after they left Scubapro can probably tell what an astronomical amount they pay in insurance for manufacturing a life support device in the U.S.
You will also NEVER sell enough of any new double hose regs without LP and at least one HP port. Real world sport diving in the "Big O" demands it as James (AKA Nemrod) says.
As far as bashing ALL modern gear, I don't think you could dive a lot of places in the world safely without it. Let's take one modern equipment example, dive computers... The best thing to EVER happen to diving in my 36 years of diving. Enables you to dive multi level 3,4 5 + times a day, breath NITROX for less on gassing (and more bottom time), faster off gassing and REAL ascent rate warnings plus a log function in even the most basic of models. Oh yeah, it's more accurate than ANY mechanical watch and depth ever made due to computer chips and electronics. This isn't imaginary stuff, it's from real research and thousands of divers out there using them every day. I had apressure pot when I woned Orca Dive computer and let me tell you, mechanical depth guages generally are horribly off! And to think we used (and many I guess still do!) these to calculate our nitrogen loading!
Yes, as Chuck says a 1967 auto may still run. But most people want A/C, automatic trans, windows, cushier suspension, etc.
I'll dive some vintage gear for fun in certain conditions, but for travel I still need and want my modern gear. The way I dive it it's just as simple if not more so due to no weight belt needed on my integrated BC. I HATE those freakin' things!
David Haas