I think you're confusing 'friends' with 'random people that you don't know and will never be able to meet but who play the same game as you and might sometimes offer a small in-game bonus'.
We're talking about real people here, flesh and blood that you interact with without needing an electronic hook-up. For example, classmates at school, colleagues in an office. To be able to gather around your desk at the end of the day and exchange good-natured banter about the day's results. That's what this game is sadly lacking.