Lee,
I agree, you can gain an immense amount of knowledge just by observing. I'm in my seventh year as a PSD handler and was taught this early. Ive been lucky enough to train with 50-60 different K9 teams throughout the state and I watched every last one of them as they worked or trained. Many times when I was new and felt that a certain question would be embarrassing, I would observe first then ask if I still needed an answer.
During this time it didnt take long to figure out who the good handlers and decoys were. They were the ones beside me watching the training as well. It was no surprise that the handlers who felt that the training sessions were for a social get together were not very effective at either handling their dog or as being a helper to trust. Just like a good handler should give his dog every opportunity to succeed when being utilized, the same goes for who should be allowed to have contact with your dog on the training field. Doesnt matter whose feelings are hurt. AT the end of the day you are ultimately responsible for your dogs' health and safety. Gaining experience in becoming a good decoy is alot like training a dog, alot of baby steps ultimately results in a knowledgeable helper.