I think thats politics every where.
I don't know but I think any of your real friends are low maintenance. I know mine are, even if they are not riders. I do have to say I really dont have many real friends though. I think I have 2 or maybe 3.
I do have some riding buddies though 8 or 10.
I hate to hear you friend is moving away, that always sucks. My best friend only lives about 300 miles away but we talk at least monthly and all is cool. So I can only quote the person whow ever it is that said. "What a long strange trip it has been."
