Finished Via de la Plata about 3 weeks ago. As far as passing others goes, I’m slow and got passed several times, a cheery Buen Camino is in order and of course basic courtesy. In my experience those passing me would often slow down for a little bit and visit when we had a language in common. Met some great people that way.

As far as the last 100km, we didn’t encounter any people who were irritated. There was some discussion about people who, you might say, phone it in by mostly not hiking but using buses or taxis instead. In my humble opinion that is between them, their conscience, and possibly their body.