Over the years I've been snapping away happily, I have to say, that the same question has popped up in my head, though more along the lines of "would this picture have turned out better if I'd been alone?"
The truth is, at least I feel, there are times when you can't work alone, and there are times when you have to, as well as the times when you want to and don't want to.
From my experience in travelling and shooting, sometimes it's better to go a little faster, or lag a little behind from your friends or group, especially if photography isn't their game. There will always be someone who wants to comment, fine, it's their nature. Sometimes they have something useful to say, sometimes it goes in one ear and out the other.
Now, while I'm no pro, I do have a very good understanding of how a camera works, and the fundamentals of shooting (I'm like a kid with a paintbrush and canvas, work only a mother or modern art specialist would love... "Is that a peanut?") Personally I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people understand their equipment, why it's like it is, and how they can use it better for their purposes... But ONLY if they ask me.