Could jealousy be a factor
We all know that the DF boy racer crowd seem to look down on or hate bents. Could jealousy figure into the mix. Who of us while out riding hasnt heard kid yell "cool bike". Even a lot of adults will comment "nice bike". And when stopped a lot of people want to ask questions.
At a recient bike race (parking lot) I rode out to watch. I might point out here I like and approve of all types of cycling. While setting there watching, a race finished, and one of the racers rode up and stopped by me. His son ran over, looked at me and my bike, and said "Dad wouldnt it be cool if you could get a bike like that one, pointing to my Rans. The guy was on a VERY expensive carbon frame race bike. He mumbled something, and the look on his face was interesting. I guess what im saying is that no matter how expensive almost any DF bike is they seldom get the attention that a bent gets. At rides and races, the DF crowd cant help it but notice, therefore it may add to the hate because of jealousy.