I don't think there is reason to put most racers in any one category.....
...in our waters, for the most part they are all really good and respectful sailors that do know the rules and follow them. With all the lobster pots, whale watching and fishing boats, PWC's, SUP's, kayaks, paddle teams etc.. to watch out for, when we are racing, everything is an obstacle to negotiate.
My experience had been exactly as you describe. That is why I was so astonished to read Jackdaw's comments in response to this specific thread. Look, we all respect and admire his contributions for good reason. But in this instance, I think his early postings were just plain wrong, and his revelation about racer's attitude toward a non-racer's crossing was probably best left unsaid. I obviously made some comments that were indirectly very insulting. Those comments were not made from my own personal attitude, but the comments exhibit how the negative attitude cuts both ways. I don't think for a minute that Jackdaw intended to insult Odaydokey, because I think that Jackdaw would never have that intention in these forums, but I think that his 2 early posts could be interpreted to be insulting. For my part, when I let fly in a forum, it's simply because it is a forum. If you want to know my feelings, I'll let it all hang out! I don't get angry and I don't hold grudges.

BTW, I also don't think that many racers respond in the manner that Odaydokey or Kimelmore experienced. From the other perspective, I think we all realize that crossings can be very close if a non-racer wonders through a race area. It should be expected, anticipated and nothing to be considered rude. Also, I didn't interpret anybody's post, including my own, to suggest that consideration doesn't cut both ways. I don't think there is anybody that doesn't go to some length to avoid crossing conflicts when in the vicinity of a race, and certainly nobody has indicated that they purposely try to disrupt a race. There are merely circumstances when a crossing is unavoidable for whatever reason, and during those times, I think we all believe that the navigation rules are the guidelines which must be followed. Or at least, that is what I expect.