There are a number of very interesting aspects to consider here.
The first is that people at the front arent racing for just pedals and a 26" tyre. Sure - thats what the punters see them receive, but many riders have contracts with sponsors that make it possible for them to race. They are certainly not racing for prizes (unless cash).
The overall XCM series, with individual wins, and series prizes was worth over $10,000 to the winner. Thats proper money.
WRT the Fling, i have been involved in both the 50km and 100km 'elite' in recent years. Its VERY interesting that they 50km riders start with the 100km riders. Do the 50km have a right to draft the 100km riders? Should the 50km riders get involved in the 'bigger' race? To say that they might affect the outcome of the race is true - but its not always because they are helping the 100km riders.
Consider this - which happened this year - a 50km rider is riding in the lead 'bunch', and actually loses a wheel, or causesthe 100km riders behind him to slow down - and lose contact with the front.
The drafting thing is fine. I am part of a team, and if we were all racing together, of course we would help out our team-mates, friends etc. In fact, even if there was a friend who rode on a different team - you might help them too.
An interesting question to ponder is this....lets assume that a rider like Jenny Fay (but could easily also be Peta) is strong as hell on a fire-road, but not as quick on singletrack when compared to male MTB riders. Is it ok for the males to draft the female on the fire-roads? Because if the woman was seen drafting the guy, in that sencario, then all hell would break loose and people would be reported.
Furthermore - the feeding - riders have been 'fed' this year when it was clearly stated in the rules that they shoulds not receive outside assistance. The reponse from riders was "I didnt know who it was, I just had a bottle thrust in my direction". Are they to be blmaed for taking it, when a well meaning supporter helps them...?
As a final point (can you tell I am passionate about this?!?!?) - if we want the sport to grow at the top end in Australia, then teams, team riding, tactics, and individual rider strengths within a team should be welcomed and publicised. It makes it exciting if you know that Shaun can sprint, so Roackstar want a sprint finish, yet others (lets say Blairy and Trent) want to neutralise that effort. Furthermore, sponsors put money behind teams - so lets get more coverage of the teams, and the thinking ahead of races - to repay the sponsors efforts and investments.
I, for one, know that many of my non-elite riding friends are always interested when I explain all the race tactics, and alliances that are formed. It brings the race to them - and they get more involved as a result....