“The argument is that the group is safer together fat chance) and can respond to an emergency should one arise”
This is in the idea of making yourself more visible. Meaning not a singal point on a larger road that gets obscured… or a non threatening object like an article someone here had pointed out stated. Not all groups, actually few that I know of, ride in parade formation at a constant. There are reasons there is a basic hand signal platform for any rider to know if they ride with groups. Most will recommend you keep a 2 to 3 second rule for either the bike immediately in front of you or stagger stepped to your side. 1 Bike can easily be overlooked, 3 on up is hard to miss.
“can respond to an emergency should one arise.”
Your assuming that all emergencies are of the medical type. If there should be one however would you rather someone 3 miles around the blind curve you just wiped on not be able to see you and call for any emergency assistance you may need , even IF they don’t know CPR….or take your chances bleeding out waiting for the next passer by to hopefully see you?
I don’t want to see any one riding in any circumstance they don’t like or feel comfortable in. It’s all in the risk management as you state yourself. However look through all possibilities before blasting certain things from a tunnel vision PoV. Granted that guy/gal may not be medicaly certified…but chances are (especially these days) they have a cell phone. You slide down an embankment and no one can see you but the rider in front or behind you at a closer clip ….. who’s your sudden best friend?
If you don’t feel comfortable in a parade type riding situation …say so… they blast you for it, separate and go about it your own way “Ride your own ride”.
However most groups I have ridden with give plenty of options for everyone in the group and take consensus of opinions on the pace, structure and destination before kick stand up. If not….. need to find you another ride captain.