Sheesh! Someone shows up for a 11,000' climb with unknown hikers??? That's just plain crazy! Though the fact that they made it means they must have been in great shape.
I hiked once with a group where one person refused to give up some of her pack, and hiked slower and slower. At least we didn't break up the group. But I was really ticked, and basically stopped hiking with that person. I am a firm believer in keeping a group together, and when someone is obviously having trouble, taking some of their weight from them.
Your group was wise in waiting for you. There is NO gain for anyone when they leave a slower person behind. In fact they open up the possibility of even more trouble, leading even to the need for a rescue. It is really great that the group consensus was to stay together. The aid they gave you likely was the reason all were successful.
I know of a few local people here who are avid hikers. But they have, in multiple situations, failed to help slower hikers, and consistently hike on ahead leaving others behind. I won't hike with them at all.
It sounds like you gained invaluable experience in several areas on this hike. Sure glad it worked out!
