I signed on to post my $ 0.02 only to see Indy got to it about the same time just faster with the typing I guess...hehe

I don't want to say anything discouraging but to put a few things in perspective...I go out on group rides with very little confidence and always seem to out-do my own expectations! Yet when the next group ride comes around I once again think I am not worthy!!! Soooo...I hang back then I start to feel good and pick it up a bit....then a little more and a little more! I guess what I am trying to point out is that some of those people leaving you in the dust may have the same mental tug going on in their brains as you do!

What I have learned over the last year of group riding is that the leaders are FULLY aware of what they are there to do...LEAD! and if that means staying back with the not so fast riders that is what they do!!!! Sounds like you found a great ride leader there in Max and I am sure he has other days he can go out and hammer if he wants! So do not in any form feel bad for Max for CHOOSING to be a beginner ride leader!!!

Everyone rides at a different pace and most of the time the pace varies for each individual on a daily basis!! haha...my 1 1/2 hour commute took 2 hours yesterday!!! not my day I guess!

Max may need to re-evaluate how he addresses the "splitting" of the group but I ride every Tuesday with a group that along the way you find where you "fit" which I like because if I am feeling good I can go all out and if I think I might feel good but really don't I can hang back and go slower...
There is the fast group that starts out and there is the "sweep" rider (a few people trade off in this position) but there is always someone to ride with...sounds like you do have that!

I hope I relayed what I am trying to say...sometimes it is so hard in text! But just go out there and have fun!!! Don't worry about the faster riders...they should know they are in the beginners ride...that does not mean hammer-fest! It is them that needs to get up the gumption to join in on the more advanced rides...not you beating yourself up for riding your ride!!!