A critique "buddy" is a different thing from a friend who wants to make you feel good, and so only says polite things. I find that critique buddies often become friends, but it's a different kind and quality of friendship, than the kind that goes around giving out meaningless pats on the back, because a polite but fearless honesty is part of the relationship from the start. Critique buddies should be people who are interested in the kinds of things, and so are willing to spend time on each other's creations, but who are different enough in personality and thought patterns that they will have varying insights and complimentary strengths.