Irrelevant? Nevermind. If I say it'll just end up getting in trouble. Again, with roughly five members in a party someone is BOUND to pick up the items. I've AoE'd plenty of time (even though thats the most idiotic thing to call it) and not once have we ever let anyone pick up our stuff. It doesn't matter if we're surrounded or not, someone always picked it up as they cast spells or did whatever. So personally, i'm quite glad your loot was stolen because in all honesty, you deserved it.
Edit: That "joke" is incredibly lame and no, it was not obvious.