I have a contradictory relationship with the rules. I think people should know the rules and yet I could care less if they play by them (if it is not a competition). In fact, there are few things more painful to me than the guy who is just playing "for fun" and will not break 100 anyway, and yet has to walk back to the tee when he can't find his Pro-V1 or belabors the exact drop point for his waterlogged ball. Just drop one somewhere and hit it! Nobody cares what you shoot and speed is more important than rigid rule-following at that point (to me and the poor slobs behind you). I am fine with someone who chooses to play by the rules, but it should not hold up the game unnecessarily, unless you are in a competition. Most people who violate this do not know the rules well anyway, and so they mess it up and take forever (they don't hit provisionals, don't know how or where to drop, etc.) Watching someone take 5 minutes to carefully identify an incorrect drop point, precisely measure out three club-lengths and finally drop a ball over his shoulder to put it in play, is beyond painful (although occasionally amusing).
At the same time, I am annoyed by guys that play loose with the rules and then boast about their score. I am fine with people playing their own version of lateral drops and winter rules and as many gimmes as they want, but please don't finish the round and tell me how it is your "7th round in a row under 80" or whatever. My dream partner is a guy who can hit the ball ok, but when he can't find his ball, he just tosses one out and hits it (without worrying if he has really used his complete 5 minutes). He also is willing to take a gimme when offered and will pick up if things get really ugly. When the round is over and his card says 85, if someone asks him what he shot, he says, "Oh, I don't know. We were just playing for fun. If I had played by the strict rules, it would have been 90 or so. Pretty day out there though." I love that guy (and, in fact, most players I run across are like that, which is nice)
Likewise, I don't want to be told how to play or what the rules are by someone who is not in a match against me. If I choose to pick up after two hacks in a bunker or scoop a longish gimme, then that is my business. I am not playing against you and I am probably not even keeping score. I am just trying to have fun and keep the game moving (for you or the group behind). Mind your own business.
I also do not like guys who create a competition where I didn't want one. Usually this is done ex post facto. I am paired with a complete stranger and after a seemingly pleasant few holes, he will announce "I think I am two up on you so far." Usually that is the same guy who will point out my various rule infractions, since they are messing with his imaginary competition. My new response to that is "Yep, but I really sort of like these right-handed clubs my brother lent me. Kinda different though."
Maybe that is not really snobbery, but more just pet peeves. Most of it relates to being paired with strangers. With friends it is easier to nip that stuff early (or just avoid those players).
Other annoyances
-people who express opinions as facts "You know this course is actually better than Augusta National, just not as well known."
-people who confidently express incorrect facts as facts "I like Pinehurst, but I really think Shinnecock is Donald Ross's best course."
-decent players who totally underestimate the gap between themselves and great players "I can't hit it quite far enough to compete with those guys on Tour, but I can chip and putt as well as any of them." (really? ya think?)
-guys who take themselves and their golf games too seriously
-guys who think their course is the best in the world because the greens are fast
-guys who complain about kids or women on the course. If they are slow, then you can complain, but don't just complain before you know anything. You are no speedster yourself and that kid can probably beat your ass.
- guys who complain and criticize a lot of things, while playing golf. It is supposed to be fun. Don't drag me into your manufactured misery.
-guys who put a lot of caveats around their disappointing score. "I shot 82 with 3 three putts, so I should been in the 70s." Yeah, well you also chipped in twice and made two 40 footers. I thought it "should have been" 88.