Each dive boat crew has developed its own system of getting divers in the water and down on the site safely and efficiently. Some aspects of that system may seem arbitrary or overbearing to you, but they aren't. Each instruction is part of a system that is appropriate for the boat's specific features and the dive environment. When you forget instructions about using a lead line to get to the anchor line for a descent, or ignore a dive guide's parameters for depth, time and direction, you're not just being a rube. You're compromising the efficiency and safety of the entire operation, crew and other guests.
Dumb divers try to do their own thing to excess.
Using poorly functioning gear. Well-maintained equipment shows respect for others and for diving. Remember that your regulator can degrade in performance merely by sitting idle on the closet shelf. Have it serviced regularly. Using too much air.