You are allowed to keep your items in view. In the debate forum there are a LOT of stories of how various posters handled your situation, with varying degrees of success. Some of the suggestions I recall include:
- Firmly and loudly objecting "I can't see my items. I need to be let through so I can see my items."
- Informing the moat dragon "I'm going to opt out. Can you let me know when the assist is ready so I can place my things through?"
- Shifting around so that your items are in sight.
- Yelling "Supervisor!"
Many of the above have both worked well and failed depending on the circumstances. YMMV.