Agreed, I don't race, but after 3 years of riding, I invited some folks to ride the 100 mile ride this year. One of the guys had mentioned that he knew some 'guys' who started early 'on the bridge'. I discouraged that for this very reason, and he agreed. Plus, I told him that he would not want to miss the experience of starting with 12K riders (and I mentioned that he would probably be detained by the Highway Patrol if he did start early). As long as you are near the front, it is an excellent experience.
His 'friends' started early (I think), and we ended up passing them at about the 50 mile mark anyway. So, there's no real point in starting early....unless you want to be a MORON!
Thanks for the post. Maybe others will see it.