That is what they say, but at the same time, the article describe these as intentional gatherings. That is a far cry from what I advocated. It would make a very different (and to my mind more effective) public impression for example, if but one of them had been carrying and everybody else at the table was obviously at ease.
Ummm, not to pic nits or anything, but if 5 unrelated males get together for lunch in a restaurant . . . it is intentional. Women have been known to do the same thing. The only difference is while there men don't all go to the bathroom in a group.