I don't think it's a snob thing, more than likely it's surprise and maybe even a little envy? It's more common that people take their machines in for servicing, than it is that the person does it themselves.
I find there is such a wide range of tastes with respect to sewing machines with each person having strong views on what one should use.
Maybe the older members are happier with the newer machines simply because they started out on the older ones?