It really seems odd that so many upright cyclists are so fervent in
their derision of 'bent riders. What drives them to say things like
"riding a 'bent (a fate worse than DEATH)"?

Well, it occurs to me that there is some gender anxiety going on here.
Hunched over forward is a masculine position, reclining back with legs
forward is a feminine position. 'Bents threaten the avid upright rider's
manhood.

So, the solution is clear. 'Bent riders need to begin carrying a round,
furry basketball-sized sporran in their laps (specifically designed to
minimize interference with the pedal stroke). Ride down the MUT like
this and try to ignore the periodic soft popping noise of roadie's heads
exploding.