Perfectly worded Andrew, reflective of my until now, reserved opinion about cruise tag alongs.
I dont consider myself as on elder statesman of the group, but from the meets I have been to, there are a few things that could be better.
If I wanted to drive amongst other cars, I'd drive up and back Anzac highway on a Friday night (and I do at times!).
The idea of a moderate sized group of late- model japanese import owners, with obvious commradery and respect for each other was what attracted me to the group initially.
To those who now feel 'not welcome' on the cruises, I say its not like that. By all means come along, but dont try and muscle (hahhah) your way into the heart of the cruise pack. Make allowances for us to pull up at stoplights next to each other. If you are being slightly tailgated, PULL OVER. But dont do anything which as Andrew says, detracts from the special feeling we get cruising with each other.