You're right in joining a better group suited to your intrests - ie. riding and not training for UCI points.
I try to ride the fastest group ride in Toronto. I get PWNED everytime - but I love it.
I keep up with them for like 15 miles and then BAM! - dropped like last week's meatloaf.
Humble pie just makes me work harder everytime & keeps my ego to a nice minimum.
But - in your case, I know that you just want to get our there and ride with a group.
Glad you found a group that takes care of their riders.
Happy Riding
-Peter