Originally Posted by Bob Dopolina

I would hazard to guess that most road riders who have done group rides don't have a problem with someone they don't know jumping on their wheel -I've met a few really nice people this way - the issue is the unannounced rider that sucks wheel. Cycling has a culture (which is GLOBAL) and this is considered a faux pas. Seriously.

If one were bowling, or golfing or playing a game of basketball and someone joined in UNANNOUNCED or without at least introducing themselves, most people would not be comfortable with that. How is this any different?

This isn't elitism, or snobbery, it's just a common courtesy.