DocJohn or a moderator, can you confirm if the assumptions above are correct? Basically, that's what I've been thinking.If it is true that "friending" or accepting "friend requests" is just a friendly gesture (and no more), I'd like to say that if I don't send or accept "friend requests" that that doesn't mean I don't regard many members here as friends.

luvyrself, I see the advantage you mentioned about sending PMs a little easier, but I probably wouldn't do so via that screen. I don't send a large number of PMs, so it is not mandatory for me, personally, to utilize such a minor convenience.