Clubs should never be about a single group of people. Whilst the overriding love of flying binds most clubs together, there are usually certain people who are friendlier with some rather than all.
Any decent sized club will have different groups of people, you might all rub along nicely, but that doesn't mean you are all bestest buddies.
Whilst bad behaviour is unacceptable, having to "prove" yourself and "make your face fit" is often the problem with most clubs. That shouldn't be an issue. As a member, you shouldn't have to gain acceptance from any "clique".
This is entirely the problem at many sailing clubs and other similar organisations. The "clique" believe they are the club and then ride roughshod over other members who might not be as vocal or long standing. When in reality ALL members should have the same standing. They all pay the same fees, therefore should attract the same rights.
"Cliqueyness" is unacceptable, but it needs someone very tough to stand up to it and most of the time, people just leave and avoid it. Which is of no benefit to the club nor the individual.
It's amazing how many clubs resemble playgrounds with sniggering groups in each corner, laughing at the "new kid" or anyone who doesn't conform. WLAC isn't like that, that's just a general comment that is mainly aimed at yacht clubs rather than flying.