There have been plenty of cliques past and present who unify under an almost hivemind-like banner to protect and put their interests above all others, often taking action detrimental to the health of the server if it means they 'win'.
People will play with their friends, and I don't think anyone is against the notion of that. Trouble arises when such groups put their mind and motivations above that of others. We're supposed to be a community, not a mob(s).