I completely agree: belief as attire.

I think that what Elizabeth is seeing is probably the result of some underlying group dynamics rather than a predictable tendency for this group to have those views. Perhaps the foundation of what she observed was first a coincidence of several members (2 or 3) having already thought along these lines. Second, the group may have some history that established that these members tended to find similar views interesting, and so they are more confident about sharing these views and there may be a tacit agreement to go along and develop even if they don't fully agree. As such, this is a result of the mix of 10 personalities (some people probably didn't say anything or might have made an oblique counterpoint) and as you get to know them better the dynamics may be more transparent.

In general, perhaps you can predict unpredictable things from groups of people that have worked together for years. Also, to echo knb, it is difficult to predict views. Personal idiosyncrasies lie on top of the multiple things it may mean about you views to be liberal, democrat, etc.