Is a camera a nuisance?

[Kayaker72]

.... but I still carry the feeling of guilt and embarrassment knowing I was being a disruptive pest.

Why? It it sounds like those people were getting in the way of your photography....

Seriously, unless you were pushing people out of the way, shooting 8 fps right is someone's ear, or bouncing your flash off of someone's head, it sounds like you were respectfully taking photos in the back of the room.

Would they have been annoyed if you were a journalist covering the event?

Could be your wife was sensitive as it was her friend. But, hopefully now that some time has passed, everyone is just enjoying the pictures. I know this is sometimes the case at family events. People complain a little about me getting them together for a group shot, or something. But they almost always ask for a copy at some point down the road.

Camera's are never a nuisance, however some photographers are.

I think this about sums it up.

I do my best to be respectful, but I am sure I have annoyed someone at some point and time (feel free to hit that softball if you must ). It is pretty tough to go through life and not upset someone at some point. Tolerance and understanding are both virtues. Respect is another. Hopefully we can balance the three.