Then the problem is us having different definitions of ‘unfounded,’ which to me means lacking a logical basis. But I call that an unfair characterization of my previous statement, as I do have a logical basis.
Theory: A guy in the corner, nursing a soda pop and pretending to be a chaperone so that no one will notice how uncomfortable he is in the titty bar is in fact a mild to moderate impediment to the group fully cutting loose and engaging in general revelry.
Method: Surveys conducted and observations made by a crack team of scientists.
Results: Highly rigorous research, the results of which were released just a few hours ago, lends serious support to this cutting-edge theory.
As we can see on Group Fun Factor Graph C-11, the presence of such an uptight individual with a ‘strategic’ seat has been rated a “downer” by well over 93% of all strip club enthusiasts, and that 79% of respondents said they wished that the individual would “chillax and stop acting like a mall cop on shoplifter patrol.” A whopping 88% of all respondents said they wished that Captain Schweppes would smile and order something that cost actual money so the waitress and top dancers would stop avoiding their table like the effing plague. Fifty-four percent of all respondents referred to said individual as “Dad,” and wished he had stopped fiddling with his cellphone and pretending not to be impressed by that amazing gyrating ass, right over there. A surprisingly generous 22% of those surveyed said they would donate a portion of their leftover funds to buy the guy a commemorative fannypack.
Now. Let’s consider Pie Chart G (that’s in Appendix H, people) where we can see that a vast majority of the OP’s posting on topic suggests that he views strip clubs as negative locales which he does not intend to enjoy, and let’s also take particular notice of the OP’s characterization of the strip club environment as “distasteful” and “smarmy.” When we compare Graph C-11 to the results of Pie Chart G, the scientific conclusion is foregone: his attendance will sufficiently resemble that of the aforementioned “downer” so as to present a ‘Revelry Barrier’ at an estimated strength of somewhere between “Mild” to “Moderate”. Such a barrier does not normally mean that the others would prefer he not be present, HOWEVER we must heed the OP’s mentioning that he only keeps “in loose touch with this group of friends but we don’t usually see each other more than once or twice a year.” Such ties being relatively tenuous, their affection for his eccentricity is not likely to be outweighed by the effect of his Revelry Barrier. The presence of a large number of people may ameliorate these individual effects, however we must not become overly optimistic.
Warning: Should more than one of these individuals show up for the party, they may join together and generate what researchers are tentatively calling a “Non-Event Horizon,” comprised primarily of pure social awkwardness and inhibition, from which no fun can escape. All those in the affected area are guaranteed a safe ride home, however.
For further validation of these results, I refer you to Group Strip Club Experience Chart F, where we can see “Prof. Grossbottom” under the category of “Vast to Excessive,” cross-correlated with “Number of Bachelor Parties Successfully Executed,” which is “3,” and “Bachelor Parties Attended” which is “Beyond Reckoning but Probably Too Many.”
My ‘assumption’ is therefore perfectly well-founded, though you are of course free to publish your own findings.