As one of the new people into this vintage sport it can be hard to feel part of the group of divers at any location especially if a group of people have been diving together for years. I've found it takes time just to get used to the new gear, getting weights right and basically feeling comfortable in the water. Every diver has their agenda for what they want to do on any given dive. To me it's not a big deal if I get separated and wind up going in a different direction under water. It's what I feel comfortable with and I'd rather do that than taking a risk on something I'm not comfortable with.
I think when you're new to any type of group you have to become a listener rather than a talker and come off as a "Know it all." I'm trying to learn this vintage sport so I'm willing to do the listening to the more experienced double hose divers. I just basically like to dive and that's what I go there to do. Just like when I go to Cozumel. I want to dive every day I'm there to get the most bang for my buck. Most of my trips are at least 4 hours long so that becomes quite a time investment by the end of the day if you drive to and from the dive site in one day. When that happens I try to get as many dives in as possible so it may seem like I may not want to visit much between dives especially when I'm doing a complete gear change including putting on a new wetsuit.
SeaHunt Jerry, Surflung, SwimJim, DiverDon and others all made me feel welcome at events I've dove.