Apparently things have changed since I rode my first century over 30 years ago. As I remember, most of the guys didn't ride with the "right clothes" and the bikes tended to be everything from soup to nuts, and I don't remember anyone talking trash about anyone else. Everyone was just out for a fun ride.
I too have a hybrid. I didn't know it would be offensive to anyone? Who knew? Funny times we live in. Anyway, I just saw a video the other day about a guy explaining the difference between racing/road bikes and hybrid bikes. I was sure glad I bought what I bought. Didn't pay an arm and a leg and now I can feel free to replace components without thinking my expensive components that were on the bike when I bought it are now just garage dust collectors.