Apparently, there's no etiquette if that was your experience.
I always try to abide by the right rods to the rocks rule, even when fishing offshore and deeper. It's basic collision regs, except we all also have 200 ft of cable out...and so we can't turn toward the rocks any closer (without pulling up our gear).
If I've got port rod to the rocks, I give guys space and move out if they appear to be fishing the same, say 160ft contour, I just slide out and around and then back in. Not always easy in those heavier currents. I think that is a general rule everywhere, and I try to stick with it. Obviously, there are all skill levels and attention levels out there, so you've gotta keep your head on a swivel at times.
Best advice, just get out of the pack of boats. I assume you were fishing in the pack of boats just east of the marker. You can get fish all over that reef, so just make a move up or down current and enjoy some more relaxing tacks.