Good stuff.Let's remember the thread title. Why the hate? Road cyclists recreationally block traffic. That's why people hate you. Simple enough.
The "but it's leEEeeegal... <.< whine has no affect on why people hate you. Go fart in a crowded elevator, look around and say "but it's lEEeeegal!" and see if that changes anyone's reaction. Lots of legal actions are inconsiderate dick moves. People may have to tolerate it, but they can still hate it, and you. And they do.
As far as farm equipment, etc. Of course farm equipment can use the roads. It's a legitimate necessity for them to do so, just like road work may slow traffic. You don't *have* to inconvenience everyone else with your pedal toy, you choose to.
Again: Road cyclists recreationally block traffic. That's why people hate you. Simple enough.
We "hate" it when farm equipment does it to. I "hate" it when a car goes 30 in a 55, or can't figure out where to turn.
We "hate" it when people inconvenience us in general.