okay, so the other night i am on my weekly ride and i start to lead the group ride somewhat but we approach some hills and i cant hold myself to keep up my pace (it was at least 22-24mph) so i pull left to let the guy on my wheel get ahead. is this the proper method to utilize??

reason i ask is because i can never get back in the peloton of riders and usually get stuck out there in left field. the other reason is that some older guy riding told me what i did was wrong, that instead i should just hold steady and let the guy behind me pass. really confused esp about proper etiquette.