Sean,

 I pointed out the purpose of the friendslist above. Not everyone will care for it but thats just with all things. For instance some members don't see the point in allowing comments and/or ratings on gallery images or the art charts, etc.  The friendslist, just like the other things I mentioned ,is just a part of the "community" that alot enjoy while there are some that don't. 

It seems alot of members are having fun with it and that is great. You don't have to participate if you don't want, its fine.  Everyone has different features at Renderosity that they enjoy.