Hawk, it's not just in this hobby......people that act like that will ALWAYS act like that, no matter what hobby or pasttime they are participating in.
Many people want to be something they're not, and chumming up with people that they perceive to be at a "higher status" is an easy way to make them feel good about themselves.
I see it all the time.....and hell yes, it's annoying and idiotic.
Fortunately, this hasn't been a problem at my field.....so at least I can "get away" from it when I'm flying.