I am glad you are okay except for being banged up and a few scratches. I also send my prayers to the families who lost a loved one. Thank G-d, there were not more. I am not sure not riding close in this ride would have made a difference.
I am with you also, I dislike riding close in the big rides. I love riding in the MS150. There over 3000 riders in that. I tend to stay all by myself whenever I can. Believe it or not, you can really do that! I didn't come in with the rest of my team, but I sure had a more comfortable ride. And I finished both 75 miles days with no sag wagon.
kajero
2013 Trek FX 7.6 WSD
2012 Specialized Ruby WSD
2004 Schwinn (I think that is the year)