They appear to
be accompanied by some bigger, flat bodied black bugs with a red "V" marking
on their body. These also fly and do not seem to be at all related (as in
some other life stage) to the Asian lady bugs. What are these guys, are
they a problem other than a nuisance like the ladybugs and what are they
doing hanging out with them?

Sounds like boxelder bugs. They aren't "hanging out" with the ladybugs but are
also looking for a place to overwinter. Do you have a boxelder tree in the
area? That is what brings them to you in the first place. Take a look at the
pictures on this webpage and see if they are the same:
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopE...s/boxelder.htm
sed5555