Rude or just ignorant.
Lets not forget road biking is making a comeback thanks to LA. Not many of us new road riders are focused in on the whole "pulling thing". I road last summer several times with a new rider friend who never pulled and always enjoyed riding with me as he said "I always seem to go faster, and it seems much easier when I ride with you instead of alone", well DUH!
Even after I told him about drafting, he thought I was BSing him, so I had to prove it (like he could go distance at 25mph on a mountain on his own...it was funny to say the least).
Anyway, perhaps they were rude or just didn't know any better. Next time ask and you will have you answer.