I've never had that problem; every one has been so nice and helpful to me. I do have alot of friends in yorkies from my area, so we travel together quite a bit and are always so involved in our own little world of grooming that maybe I just haven't had time to notice any snobbies, lol! I was fortunate enough lately to meet a breeder that I've admired for a very long time. I just approached her when she wasn't busy and introduced myself. She and I ended up sitting down on the floor together and chatting for quite some time. Later on she actually popped in at my grooming area and we had another nice conversation. I show quite a bit with the UKC but have met tons of people there who show with AKC also, and when I have shown AKC I didn't encounter anything but friendly folks. (Met yet another breeder that I admired from a far at the last akc show I was at and she was totally sweet.)
Maybe you've just been around some of them when they weren't having the best day...
And I agree with you totally that us newbies are going to "carry the banner" someday to carry on the long timer's work and dedication when they are no longer able. One thing I've noticed since having a child in jr. showmanship is that the show people are truly good to their jr's and will go out of their way to help them. The organization as a whole knows that they are the future of the club; they are the next handlers, breeders, and supporters.
Congrats on that point! I'm sure you are going to have many more!