Hi Graham,
One of my best holidays ever and the best diving I've done. Bit tiring though as some days we were doing 4 dives (before brekky, before lunch, mid afternoon and a night dive)....afterwards it was beer time, so after doing that a few times it was a little of a relief to move to Padang Bai and just the 2 boat dives per day. Went back to Tulamben for the last 2 nights, though. Too much fun.
Your comparison with motorcycling is apt. And like motorcycling, yes, it's dangerous, but that danger can be contained (to a certain extent) by how much risk you're willing to take. With diving, I'm glad I'm a little older and wiser (ahem) than when I raced bikes.
If you ever do your course, do it somewhere in SEAsia. Aside from the flights, it's relatively cheap, the water's warm and the marine life is amazing. I'll try to meet you somewhere.
B