RB, the only thing I've figured out to do with wretched timing is try to ignore it and play solidly enough for others to be able to hear where we ought to be.
I think being friendly and encouraging is a lot more important than being able to teach music stuff..

Anahata, I gleefully nab any opportunity I can find to play with Betters when I find them and can manage to finagle my way in. The only way it's uncomfortable is when they're rude..and that happens just as often with the ones I regularly mingle.