Just finished a small retreat with a group of ladies who were hand-picked. Each one brought something interesting to the retreat in the way of food, projects, ideas, etc. We all got to know each other better and I came away with a renewed interest in a few of the attendees. I have been to large retreats where it was easy to stay away from the troublesome people. I have also found it quite easy to ask "who will be there" when invited to retreats. If I do not feel I can spend a few days with some of the ladies - I don't attend. Just makes it easier on me to not get cranky when I am constantly confronted by clueless, illogical and rude people. I do like your idea of moving around....