Why are cavers and cave exploration people so self-righteous and touchy about everything?

Actually at first I thought you asked a stupid question. But upon reading your question you do present a good point. I ume you didn't damage or vandalize anything. So perhaps they see themselves as some sort of elite group that you a torch wielding redneck insulted? That's the only theory I can come up with now. I'll think about it and edit my answer if I come up with anything else.