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hippy
I don't race or compete in these events so my opinion is likely to be way off the mark but...
My view is that if you can't drop someone then you've got to put up with them drafting you or slow down so they're forced to ride off if it bothers you. I get really annoyed if people are sitting on my wheel and either make a concerted effort to ride them off my wheel or accept the fact I'm not strong enough to do that and live with it.
Riding in a big group taking organised turns is different though and definitely unfair on lone solo riders.
I guess the flat no drafting rule is the simplest way to try and make it fair for all. Or go the other way and allow it and bring a more tactical nature into the event with alliances formed and broken along the way.
The one other thing I can't understand is the agro that people express to those who shared spare inner tubes / water with other competitors. Is it a pre-requisite of ultra racing to not look out for each other and offer support. I've always thought the good thing about cycling is how people are willing to help each other and the sense of community. Being in a race shouldn't suddenly make you a dick!
As I say maybe I just don't get the ultra distance race community...