@Paloth, i was wondering why you didn't accept my friend requests, I sent like 50, but it's because you didn't check right? Right???!!

Lol, ok just kidding, couldn't help myself. please ignore my momentary burst of manic stupidity ;-)
I do understand the Op's point and basically agree with it. Friends or aquaintences made in life or online should not need to be trophies to display how great & popular you must be. I would/have accept friend requests for the very reason stated,that you would seem standoffish not to. but it does puzzle me that someone I don't know, have not spoken to, or have any idea who they are would list me as "a friend". anyone I do come to know or converse with online or in RL should know simply by my actions or words that I think well or ill of them without needing the confirmation of a friend tag. but there are 100's of millions of people who would seem to love the social networking setup, so what do I know.