Trust hooch the dudes right on point. That exact spiel he just gave you is exactly why we hate when noobs post about cock rockets.
It always goes the same way they argue, we chastise try to reason, they get Butthurt, we read an article a few weeks later about them dying/getting their dickhole smashed in. It is what it is.

As for a pack sorry bud you're dead wrong. Experienced riders like hooch, myself, and a few ithers lurking around here
1. Don't ride with noobs because wheelie, stoppir, rev to 17k
2. You can't keep up at a moderate pace. You fall behind or almost die.
3. The image that's out there when you ride in a group is one experienced responsible riders don't want to be associated with.

Argue all you want, rationalize, dim your eyes. Makes no difference to us.
Good luck! Buy good gear. Wear it.